Discovering Ways to Get Back in the Game

An injury, illness, or condition that leaves you wheelchair bound can be scary. For some, they can feel isolated.

Weeks ago, Ly Long fell after his legs gave out.

“I was in a state of panic," Long said.

He was treated at the OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital. 

On this day, his fear is replaced with hope.

“In the bed, I’d say, I wish I could be outside. To have this out here, learning about new things, meeting new people," Long said.

This is an adaptive sports fair. Held in the parking lot behind the OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital.

About a dozen stations, with hands on, instant connections in an uncertain world of what’s next?

"When I see a patient and an occupational therapist, I say what are your goals? they say to walk again. I say, okay then what?  Life is not about going to the bathroom", said Robyn Martin, Recreational Therapist.

With this resource fair, patients see what is possible.

They are already getting great care at the hospital, but this is about opening a door after that patient leaves.

"They are with us for such a short time, 2 or 3 weeks, a very stressful time, sometimes they don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel," Martin said.

This is just a chance to show them there is life beyond the hospital and that’s important for them.

It's important for groups like Ohio Sled Hockey director of operations Kelly Fenster

“We serve individuals from age 3 up to our oldest which is 62," Fenster said.

She thinks it's important to have events like this, to see the light come up, for hope to click, for patients

“To have an event like this, sport brings out the best in you, organizations that have things like this, and can have it all right here," Fenster said.

For Ly, it’s just what he needed, right when he needed it.

“I didn’t think I’d know how to be in a wheelchair, now, I can do it after a few days, can’t pop a wheely yet, someday," Ly said.

To learn more about what is possible at the OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital click here.