Participant Testimonials

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Every wellness journey is unique, and the experiences of our participants demonstrate what’s possible with the right support. Through NCHPAD and NCHPAD Connect, people with disabilities have built healthier habits, increased their confidence, and improved their overall well-being by participating in inclusive health and wellness programs tailored to their individual needs. From becoming more physically active and making healthier lifestyle choices to connecting with a supportive community and achieving personal goals, these testimonials reflect the lasting impact of accessible programs designed to help everyone thrive.

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NCHPAD has reminded me that living with a disability does not mean giving up on living a healthy, active life. After Guillain-Barré syndrome left me paralyzed and I was told I might never walk again, finding organizations that promote accessible health and wellness has been invaluable. NCHPAD has provided education, encouragement, and resources that support my ongoing recovery and reinforce that physical activity and wellness are possible for everyone, regardless of ability. Their mission aligns closely with my own commitment to helping others with neurological conditions regain independence and improve their quality of life.

I would encourage anyone to take advantage of what NCHPAD has to offer. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, adjusting to a disability, or simply looking for ways to improve your health, you’ll find a welcoming community, practical resources, and people who truly understand the importance of inclusive wellness. NCHPAD empowers individuals to focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t.

-Robert Reid, North Carolina

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NCHPAD has definitely enhanced my journey through the jungle of spinal cord injury recovery and dealing with the many challenges of this new chapter in my life. I still use the many techniques taught to me by MENTOR and the GROWTH family of friends and family. Starting when I was a paraplegic following my spinal fusion surgery for an epidural abscess, which had wrapped itself around my spinal cord at the T6 and T7 vertebrae. Through all the various programs, I learned and grew to know about how I wasn’t alone, and many have come to adapt and overcome life problems. I was an over-the-road trucker used to traveling 400 miles a day, and then being told I may not walk again hit me really hard. I was looking for resources and found them in NCHPAD. Although I never returned to trucking, I am back to driving my car and grocery shopping using a cane. I still find strength through my Coffee Club family and all the people who proved to me that my life had not ended when I was trapped (momentarily) in my hospital bed at home. “If they can do it, then so can I,” and be good to yourself, is my #1 rule taught to me in my early days! There are still some good days, and some days I struggle to get going, as we all do. But I refuse to let it get the best of me! Sign up and enroll; it will enrich your life in ways you never thought about or considered.

-Kirk Irthum, Louisiana

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NCHPAD has made a great impact on my life. The worst thing a person could ever face happened to me. I thought I was going in to have surgery to stop my pain. But instead, it brought even more pain as well as depression and anxiety. I wasn’t able to walk for months. But NCHPAD helped me learn how to navigate through my depression. Being in a community of people who were dealing with the same issues or worse made me realize how lucky I was to get some of my mobility back. I became motivated to push harder. For that, I am very grateful.

-Tonya K., Alabama

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I found the MENTOR On-Demand program to be very well-rounded, and I really appreciated being able to participate at times most convenient for my ever-changing schedule. The instructors were all so encouraging. John Ream’s consistent encouragement to stay active and his reminders that every little bit of movement makes a difference have really kept me motivated—especially on tougher days when I am more inclined to feel discouraged by my physical challenges. Emily Hornsby really opened my eyes to naming my feelings and experiences when they come up, and holding them with loving, grateful awareness; it’s so empowering! Emily McAllister’s approach to creating nutrient-dense meals was the icing on the cake. She shared a nutritious salmon-and-broccoli meal that we are really excited to try this weekend!

If you are on the fence, especially if you face physical challenges, please give it a try. I used to feel discouraged on my tough days, but this program completely changed my mindset. The instructors provide constant encouragement and remind you that every small movement counts. It is a safe, flexible space where you can learn to nourish your body, stay active at your own pace, and gain tools that truly empower your daily life.

-Shawna H., Oregon

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I feel less alone and disconnected since I found NCHPAD and enrolled in the programs I could enroll in. My health has improved both physically and mentally, and I don’t know what I’d do without NCHPAD now. It’s become a pretty important part of my life.

Sign up! If there are any programs that interest you in NCHPAD, they are so worth getting involved in!

-Helena P., Illinois

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Having a devastating hemorrhagic stroke at 58 still living a full life. I live on beautiful Cape Cod, in 2021 working as a Chef/Food Service,  it was during COVID that people didn’t want to work in the health service, so that’s what I did, leading a department in an Assisted Living for residents of some sort of memory loss. I had been working many extra hours. When I had my stroke, I was left-side paralyzed. When I was doing a program through Spaulding Adaptive Sports, a life coach, Hailey Brown, came on to the screen telling us about the Mentor Program. I thank God every day that Hailey told me about Mentor. I really don’t know how I would have made it through; I would probably not be alive or in the crazy house. I always say this to this day, “The hospitals saved my life physically, but NCHPAD saved my life mentally.”  From Dr. Rimmer, Dr. Robin Lanzi, Stephanie, Emily, Aimee, Ingrid, Joseph, and so on.  I can’t say enough about UAB, NCHPAD & programs. They really thought about everything. Thank you for giving me another chance at life.

-Patricia Ericson-Taylor, Massachusetts

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NCHPAD has had a positive experience on my life with the help of the technology we have today to engage in social interactions on a scheduled routine basis! I would tell someone considering NCHPAD to try it because it will make you content and look forward to that time period.

-John LaCerva, Connecticut