Perfect Fall Pumpkin Patches

Fall is upon us, Kansas City.  The leaves have begun to change, sweaters have been unpacked, football season is here, and pumpkins are everywhere.  As a child, visiting the pumpkin patch in the fall is a highly anticipated event.  There is a lot of pressure for a pumpkin to make the cut.  It must be a brilliant hue of orange with a long stem and perfectly symmetrical.  After all, this would be the pumpkin that would adorn the front porch for all to see.  There is a certain magic in finding the “cream of the crop” when it comes to pumpkins.  Once your find is cleaned, cored, and carved it is ready to become the centerpiece of any fall display.  There is a sense of joy and accomplishment as the eyes and crooked smile of your creation glow at each passerby.  

Choosing the right pumpkin patch can be just as difficult for parents as choosing the right pumpkin for the child. "Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere" (Charlie Brown).  Sometimes for individuals with disabilities finding the "most sincere patch" takes a little bit more planning.  We have composed a list of our favorite Kansas City, accessible pumpkin patches this year. 

Johnson Farms:  This family owned farm has everything from fantastic food to hayrides.  The 60 acre pumpkin patch has paved paths, accessible restrooms and will assist each person on the hay ride to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience. 

17701 S State Rte D

Belton, MO

816.331.1067

http://www.johnsonfarms.net/

Louisberg Cider Mill: Reviews rave “you don’t have to wait for the pumpkin patch or corn maze to make this a fun trip”.  Take a look around the accessible store and pick out cider, jelly, spices, or fruit butter.  The patch spans over 10 acres so you can pick your own from the vine.  The paths are very wide but are not paved so some individuals in wheelchairs may need a helping push.  The staff at Louisberg Cider Mill assured us that they host folks of all abilities every year.  Before you pick out your pumpkin don’t forget to stop by Teepee Villiage, Straw Fort and the petting zoo.  

14730 Hwy 68

Louisberg, KS 66053

913.837.5202

http://www.louisburgcidermill.com/

Weston Red Barn Farm: In the spirit of preserving the American dream of farming visitors are offered the opportunity to experience a real working farmstead.  Soak In some old fashioned farm fun on the hayride, at a bonfire, or while picking pumpkins and apples.  If you call ahead the kind folks out at red barn farm will gladly meet you with a ramp for assistance in getting on and off of the hay ride.  The paths in the orchard and pumpkin patch are dirt but are well maintained and extra wide.

16300 Wilkerson Rd.

Weston, MO 64098

816.386.5437

http://www.westonredbarnfarm.com/

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead honors the legacy of Officer Deanna Rose to bring the charm of a farm to children living in the city.  This 12 acre Farmstead has nearly 200 animals and birds, vegetable and flower gardens, fishing and pony rides.  The farmstead has many brick and paved paths leading you to each activity.

13800 Switzer Rd

Overland Park, KS 66221

913.897.2360

http://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/

Since the passing of Robin Williams, depression awareness has been on the rise.  Depression is something many of us have heard of and some have even experienced.   Depression, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, unimportant, and often is unable to live in a normal way.   According to a study conducted by Johnathan Silver, MD “20-60% of people with a serious injury experience depression soon after the injury or even years later”.

Depression can result from the chemical changes within the brain or as a symptom of post-traumatic stress.  This can be detrimental to the rehabilitation process following an injury.  Depression, if allowed, can diminish energy and confidence levels of individuals who are adjusting to their new life after a serious injury.  But don’t worry, there are ways to combat depression.  Helpful tips for battling depression are to set a daily schedule, stay involved in activities you participated in previously or engage in new activities to highlight new abilities.  A strong relationship with family and friends is important to mental and physical health as well.

Treatment is usually very successful when symptoms are caught early.  Common signs of depression after an injury are feelings of guilt or loss, loss of concentration, decreased energy, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, diminished desire to participate in social or recreational activities, and thoughts of suicide (Depression, 2014). 

Severe injury, illness, and disability can affect us in a variety of ways – emotionally, cognitively, and socially.  Friends and family members can be directly affected by their loved one’s depression.  Neuropsychology Services at RIKC serves individuals of all ages in helping with the adjustment to disability.  Counseling is available in an individual or group setting for patients and family members.  

Depression.  (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.brainline.org/landing_pages/categories/depression.html

Despite challenges, these two clients found success

There are two stories in this post, each about a client in the TBI Works Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City. These two people beat all odds and are now successfully working!

Kyle Dudley 

Kyle Dudley, 34, was out celebrating his 2003 college graduation. Once he and his friends decided to call it a night, their designated driver began taking them home. Suddenly, their car was t-boned by a drunk driver. The impact caused Dudley’s head to forcefully hit the inside of the car. This resulted in Dudley being in a coma for six weeks and having paralysis in his left arm.

After an extensive stay in the hospital, Dudley went to in-patient rehab where he stayed for one month.

Dudley then worked to recover in therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC). The therapists helped him as he began to walk again, chew and swallow whole foods, and talk at the same level as he had prior to the accident.  He then studied music at a vocational rehabilitation school before coming to the TBI Works Program in the Employment Services Department at RIKC in Feb. 2013.

 Music was Dudley’s passion and focus of study before the accident; he still wanted to follow this path. His next step was to find a job in the music field with the TBI Works staff’s help.

After a few months of filling out job applications and  participating in mock interviews, TBI Works Program Coordinator Wendell Wallace noticed Rhino Staging and Event Productions, Inc. was hiring, so he showed Employer Development Specialist Jennifer Grant who helped Dudley pursue this opening. Within a week of giving the company his application, Dudley was hired! He began work in June and is thrilled to be working with what he loves.

“Finding the job was the goal of the entire process,” Dudley said. “The help and effort everyone put into helping me at RIKC was equally important.”  

Arnell Walker

Arnell Walker, 41, spent each day taking care of her five children, working and running errands. On December 2006, though, something happened that would drastically change her routine and life.

While at a family function in Kansas City, Walker was the victim of a drive-by shooting. She was in a coma for two weeks and remained hospitalized three months, during which time Walker experienced two strokes that further impacted her body. Of the many challenges she faced, including learning to walk again, Walker was left with a speech impediment, an inability to read and a lengthy gap of unemployment due to her extensive recovery period.

Walker received extensive rehab services and diligently worked on her own to regain abilities to walk, communicate, cook and take care of her two youngest children.

In 2012, the Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation referred Walker to the TBI Works Program of RIKC's Employment Services Department. The TBI Works staff soon realized what an extraordinary person Walker is. She has a contagious smile and a strong faith. She exercises a strong work ethic and is quick to learn new skills.

"She's just amazingly positive and has this great attitude," said Jennifer Grant, Employer Development Specialist at RIKC.

It's little wonder that when Walker was introduced to representatives of the Human Resources Department at The Intercontinental Hotel KC, a second interview was immediately offered. She was hired the following day, even though the position she applied for was not currently open. Walker enjoys working with great coworkers in a luxurious atmosphere, and her employers appreciate her positive attitude and hard work, making this a win-win for both employee and employer.

Walker's success story is a shining example of the team effort of the TBI Works Program in RIKC's Employment Services Department. Her strength plus the expertise of the program can both be contributed to her success!

Child Beats All Odds

Her face sports a great big grin. She looks around the room through her bright pink sunglasses that she wears no matter where she is. She holds a tiny yellow car and tells everyone she sees about it. She is a 3 ½-year-old girl named Sephora Kalantari, and, if you had seen her a year ago, she would not have been able to do any of these things.

Sephora was born with two heart defects— pulmonary atresia and a hypo plastic right heart. One doctor told Sephora’s mom Debbie Kalantari, 22, that this is a unique case for two reasons: most cases of a hypo plastic heart deal with the left, not the right side; and, the doctor said, this was the only known case in the world with the two heart defects together. Sephora needed heart surgery but she was not healthy enough for the surgery until she was 2.

In March 2012, Sephora had open-heart surgery. The following day, she suffered a heart attack and a stroke. She had to be on a breathing machine for about five days after the surgery to sustain life, according to Debbie. A CT scan showed brain damage affecting the left side of her body caused by the stroke. After 51 days in the hospital, Sephora returned home at last with her mom and younger brother Zayden.

Once they were home, Sephora cried incessantly. The only times she would smile or laugh were whenever her brother spoke, which is why Debbie credits Zayden as a big part of Sephora’s recovery. Another big part of Sephora’s recovery is the staff at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC). Sephora’s transition to RIKC was difficult. She did not like being held and struggled to complete tasks without crying. Now, Sephora lights up when Speech-Language Pathologist Robin Miller-Gioia picks her up and hugs her. She has become a hard worker, attempting any task asked of her.

When Sephora started at RIKC, there was concern she was blind in both eyes. After a short amount of time, Sephora started identifying objects, and they discovered that she has vision in one eye. She learned to sit up on her own, and began to speak and reach for objects. After a course of intensive therapy, the team felt Sephora was making such fantastic gains that she was ready to transition to development preschool with follow-ups at RIKC to be sure she continues making gains.

Less than a month ago, Sephora had her second open-heart surgery. This time, the surgery went well, and Debbie said she is doing great! Sephora returned to RIKC to continue her recovery process. Debbie is proud of the person Sephora has become with the help of her RIKC team.

“I am so thankful for the people [at RIKC] who do what they do,” Debbie said. “Not everyone can do this work. The [staff at RIKC] is so patient and loving, and have overflowing optimism.” 

Sephora and her brother Zayden play on the slide,
which is something she couldn't do a year ago.

Children strengthen spirits and bodies at RIKC!

At RIKC's summer therapy programs, which began in June, children ages 2 to 18 could be seen riding scooters, making sundaes and headed out to field trips.  Yes, it’s therapy with a twist of fun. 

The participants have various types of neurodevelopmental disabilities, including brain injury, tumors and stroke.  Activities during summer therapy programs work on developmental and cognitive skills with an emphasis on constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) and hand-arm bilateral intensive training (HABIT).

One day, the participants lay on their stomachs on scooter boards for an activity. As part of CIMT, their stronger arm was in a cast, requiring more use of their affected arm. Geni Wier, 10, maneuvered to the other side of the room primarily using her affected right arm. Once she and the other children got there, they had to dig through buckets of beans to find different objects. Once Geni found the toy car, she gave it to the volunteer and scooted back to the other side with a look of happiness and pride on her face.

Besides working on their own, the children at the program participate in group activities. Before they used the scooters, they had to clean up the room, picking up toys and pushing tables together, all while still wearing the cast as part of CIMT. Trisha Peters, Geni’s mom, commented that  group work is a great part of the program.

“This [program] is a chance for [Geni] to be around kids afflicted the same way as her,” Peters said. “The activities help the kids figure out how to work together.”

Drennan Gwinn, 8, has been coming to RIKC for five years, and this is his fourth time at the summer program. He had troubles scooting using his affected arm, but the volunteers were helpful and encouraging. With their help, Drennan made it to the other side with a look of relief.

“I like the occupational therapy focus and group setting,” said Stephanie Gwinn, Drennan’s mom. “Of course Drennan likes it, because he likes being around people.”

Janet Padley, pediatric and adolescent coordinator at RIKC, said that before the summer programs were created, people were leaving the state to go to CIMT programs. Now, people have RIKC’s programs for their children.

Declaration of Independence: Bethany Serna

Bethany Serna, 2 ½, picked up the sunglasses, and began putting them on and taking them off. She took the Bacon Fest pig keychain and started pulling the measuring tape out with ease. Seeing her today, you would never guess that more than a year ago this toddler could barely move her arms or hands.

On April 5, 2012, Bethany’s parents, Rodney and Veronica, rushed her to the hospital in the middle of the night—something was terribly wrong. She had signs of meningitis, but when the doctors did a spinal tap, they saw that it was something else. She had a dangerously high red blood cell count and protein in her blood. So, she was sent to another hospital where, that night, after suspecting she had a tumor, she was rushed into surgery that lasted seven hours! The actual problem was an aneurysm caused by arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the abnormal tangling of arteries and veins. To help prevent further damage, the doctors had to put a clip on her spinal cord.

Despite surgery, Bethany experienced changes that would have life changing effects for her and her family. Bethany now had tetraplegia, the paralysis of the arms, legs and trunk of the body, so she could barely move. To help her regain certain skills, Bethany began speech, physical and occupational therapies at the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC).

“When she came in, she couldn’t even lift her head up,” her father Rodney said. “She was starting over from the newborn stage for the most part.”

After doing therapy for more than a year— three times each week for up to five hours each time— through hard work, and the help of her family and RIKC staff, Bethany can now move her arms all around and crawl.

“Just to see her roll over again is so rewarding,” Rodney said. “She’s still weak in the trunk but is getting there and working on strength. This and other little things people take for granted are rewarding to see her do.”

When her AVM first appeared she didn’t talk much or eat well on her own, which the speech therapist and Bethany’s mom Veronica think are behavioral, indirect effects of her AVM.

“She is still a picky eater, but she has come a long way,” Veronica said. “She talks like crazy. She’s a little parrot.”

In about a month, Bethany will undergo one more surgery to remove the clip that is attached to her spinal cord.

Next year, Bethany will start preschool. She still has therapy at RIKC three times a week, but she has made such progress that her appointments are hours shorter.

About a year ago, Bethany couldn’t move her fingers. Now, as she and her parents leave the office, she waves goodbye with her index finger with a big smile on her face.     

 

Meet Bill - A Life Preview



Bill and his wife

In November of 1982, Bill was injured in a hunting accident on the opening day of deer hunting season. He became sick and fell out a deer blind, breaking his back. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bill's accident.

"I just enjoy life and I owe a large part of this to the Rehabilitation Institute of KC for getting me back up and running (rolling)," explained Bill, who went through our medical rehabilitation programs. "They put me back together and got me on my way so I could get back in the world and be an asset to the community."
 
When Bill was discharged from the hospital, he was in a full body cast for six months. Bill's positive outlook on life kept him going: "I had my arms, so that was a blessing. You do the best you can with what you have."

This same active lifestyle led him to his current job as the I.T. Director at H.U.D. for Region VII in Kansas City Kansas. While playing wheelchair basketball with some friends, Bill was asked if he was interested in a part time job. That part-time job grew into a full-time career. "I found something I was good at -- working on computers, tearing them apart and putting them back together, working with my hands," he explained.

In addition to his career, Bill continues to hunt to this day. He is a part of a handicap hunting club and has even modified his boat and ATV to make them accessible. 

Bill does not let his injury hold him back, explaining that he lives on a farm, and commutes 140 miles to work each day.

"There's not really much I don't do, other than walk," explained Bill. "I just go about it a different way."

A Dog's Tale

Hello!  My name is Finley and I am a black lab with a big job! I am a therapy dog for the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City (RIKC).  I come from a long line of companion animals. My great-great Cousin Smoky helped her human companions in World War II by running a telephone cable through an underground pipeline and providing comfort and entertainment to the troops.  She was a brave dog.  I have brothers and sisters who help people in nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.  I feel the luckiest of all because I get to help children like Amy relearn how to do everyday activities like brushing her teeth, dressing herself, and walking all on her own.  She’s in my therapy group every week, working as hard as she can to return to being the active little girl I know she can be!  

Did you know the average human walks 10,000 steps each day?  When Amy first came to RIKC after her accident (RIKC staff tell me it’s called a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI), she could not walk at all.  After weeks of therapy, and a lot of my kisses, she can now walk more than a mile without much assistance.  Someday soon, she’s going to be faster than me!  I will have to run to keep up with her, but I don’t mind.  I love Amy and all my friends at RIKC.

My family tells me this blog is going to share some stories with you throughout the year about what’s going on at RIKC.  Every once in awhile, you will get to hear a few stories with me, but even better, many times you’ll get to hear stories from former participants in our programs!  We’ll try to post the occasional event or program update for you, too, because I’d love for you to come to our events so you can shake my paw! 

Happy reading,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Finley, Therapy Dog