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Veteran With Spinal Injury Throws Out First Pitch at Diamondbacks Game Tuesday Thanks to SoldierStrong-Donated Exoskeleton

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Dan Rose, a former U.S. Army sergeant paralyzed by a 1,100-pound bomb in Afghanistan in 2011, will throw out the first pitch at Tuesday’s Arizona Diamondbacks-New York Yankees game with the aid of an exoskeleton donated by SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans.

“Being able to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game is a thrill of a lifetime,” said Rose, who demonstrated the EksoGT Suit exoskeleton earlier in the day when SoldierStrong donated one to the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

A member of the Army Reserves for a decade, Rose was severely injured when an improvised explosive device was detonated near him. The explosion left him paralyzed from the chest down, but he refused to allow the injuries of his life-changing sacrifice to define the rest of his life. After receiving access to advanced medical technology, Rose has become involved in many adaptive sports competitions and winning gold medals along the way.

Derrick Hall, the club’s president and chief executive officer, said the entire organization was eager to see Rose on the field.

“We salute Sergeant Rose for his service and sacrifice and we cannot wait to see him throw out this first pitch using the exoskeleton from SoldierStrong,” Hall said. “The Arizona Diamondbacks are very proud to support so many local and national charities that benefit our military with funds raised at our annual Veteran’s Day golf tournament. We owe our servicemen and women a huge debt of gratitude and this is just one small way to give back to someone who has given so much.”

Since SoldierStrong’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, the Stamford, Conn.-based organization has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans.

“Today’s contribution marks a significant milestone. It is our 20th exoskeleton donation and represents a doubling of our initial commitment to donate 10 such high-tech medical devices to benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder. “We’re extremely proud to help as many veterans as we can so that they will experience the physical and emotional benefits of standing and walking again.”

The donation to the Phoenix VA Health Care System was also the 16th exoskeleton donation to the VA systems across the nation.

SoldierStrong Donates State-of-the-Art Exoskeleton to the Veterans Affairs Phoenix Health Care System

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SoldierStrong donated an EksoGT Suit exoskeleton to the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System today.

“This is an incredible day for our veterans,” said Rima Nelson, director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System. “We’re beyond grateful for this generous donation that will make such a difference in the lives of our veterans as they continue their rehabilitation.”

U.S. Army Reserves veteran Dan Rose, who was paralyzed from the chest down when an 1,100-pound improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near him while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2011, demonstrated the exoskeleton that will be used by patients at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center.

Noting the exoskeleton has provided significant physical and mental health benefits for him, Rose predicted others would experience similar results.

“I had given up on walking and thought of it as a pipe dream, so to be able to stand on my own two feet and walk across a room was a very emotional experience. The first time I stood up I realized I’d forgotten what it was like to be eye level with everyone. It was like standing on top of a mountain,” said Rose, who will throw out the first pitch at tonight’s Arizona Diamondbacks-New York Yankees game at Chase Field. “I guarantee that this donation will change lives because it will provide a spark of hope and rekindle enthusiasm for the future.”

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans. Today’s donation marks the organization’s 20th exoskeleton donation. It is the 16th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“Today’s contribution marks a significant milestone. It represents a doubling of our initial commitment to donate 10 such high-tech medical devices to benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder. “We’re extremely proud to help as many veterans as we can so that they will experience the physical and emotional benefits of standing and walking again.”

Nationwide, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been studying the impact that exoskeletons have in rehabilitation and on the physical well-being and mental health of paralyzed veterans. Of particular interest is whether the loss of bone density and muscle atrophy can be slowed or reversed as patients make regular use of the devices to move around.

NFL Hall of Famer, Businessman Roger Staubach to Headline SoldierStrong Fundraiser in Dallas on Thursday

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Roger Staubach, the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories before building a commercial real estate firm with more than 1,000 employees, will be the guest speaker at a Thursday event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center for SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization that provides state-of-the-art medical devices to aid in rehabilitating mobility to returning veterans who have experienced spinal injuries.

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans. On Jan. 29, the Stamford, Conn.-based organization donated an exoskeleton to the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System. It was SoldierStrong’s 19th exoskeleton donation and its 15th to the VA system.

“Roger Staubach is an inspiration to millions of people. Upon his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1965, he could have opted for an assignment in the United States, but volunteered to serve a tour of duty in Vietnam,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong chairman and co-founder. “His commitment to our country and America’s military veterans is second to none. SoldierStrong is honored that he is lending his voice and passion to our mission.”

The fundraising reception, which will include an exoskeleton demonstration by a combat-injured veteran, will be in Café 43 of the presidential center, 2943 SMU Boulevard, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. People interested in attending the event can RSVP at events@soldierstrong.org.

Staubach won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Memorial Trophy as a junior at the U.S. Naval Academy. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, he led the Cowboys to five Super Bowls in all and was the Super Bowl MVP in 1972. He was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985. Even before he retired from the NFL, Staubach founded The Staubach Company, which largely developed and managed commercial properties. He sold the firm in 2008 for a reported $613 million.

“I’ve always appreciated that people have cared about me and said, ‘I’m a big fan of yours,’ but it’s never quite the same as the feeling I’ve had as a military veteran when someone says, ‘We appreciate your dedication to our country,'” said Staubach, who was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2018. “We owe so much to the men and women who have been injured while defending our freedom and it’s an honor to help SoldierStrong, which is doing so much to help America’s veterans. I appreciate the opportunity to show them that we care for and are committed to them.”

Dan Boren, Former Oklahoma Member of Congress, Joins SoldierStrong Advisory Board

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STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Former Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren has joined the advisory board of SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the nation’s military veterans by providing them with the resources they need to overcome obstacles to leading to fuller lives.

“Dan Boren is a recognized leader in the fields of technology and health, which is the intersection where SoldierStrong’s commitment to our veterans meets,” said Chris Meek, the organization’s co-founder. “His former service on the House Armed Services Committee and House Select Committee on Intelligence are testaments to his commitment to the well-being of America’s active duty military personnel and veterans. I join our entire board of directors in welcoming Dan because his exceptional leadership, can-do spirit and record of results prove he’s a real difference maker on issues that matter to SoldierStrong and the men and women we serve.”

Boren is the president of corporate development for the Chickasaw Nation, a federally recognized Native American nation, located in Oklahoma. In that role, he helps to drive the nation’s business diversification strategy.

Before joining the Nation, Boren represented Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District for four terms before retiring in 2013. While in Congress, he also played a leadership role on Native American issues, serving as the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Indian Affairs. Before election to Congress in 2004, Boren served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and was the first freshman ever to be elected as caucus chairman.

Boren also serves on various boards of directors including the National Rifle Association, Seminole State College Educational Foundation, the University of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Foundation and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics at Texas Christian University and master’s degree in international business from the University of Oklahoma. He resides in Edmond, Okla., with his wife, Andrea, and their two children, Janna and Hunter.

“When I see everything that the people of SoldierStrong have accomplished on behalf of our nation’s greatest heroes such as donating 15 exoskeletons to the Veterans Affairs Health System and four such devices to other medical facilities, for instance – I know I want to help them do more,” Boren said. “It is an honor to join SoldierStrong’s advisory board and to share in the commitment to help military veterans who have given so much in defense of our freedom.”

SoldierStrong Donates State-of-the-Art Exoskeleton to the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System

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SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, donated an Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System today.

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans. Today’s donation marks the organization’s 19thexoskeleton donation. It is the 15th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“SoldierStrong and its supporters like United Rentals are proud to reach such a significant milestone in the donation of high-tech medical devices that directly benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder. “We are committed to helping as many veterans as we can so that they will experience the physical and emotional benefits of standing and walking again.”

Dr. Stephen Holt, who leads the nation’s second-largest VA system, thanked SoldierStrong, noting, “Exoskeletons are proving to transform the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries. This device will make a very positive and lasting difference in the lives of the patients we serve.”

Dr. Bridget Bennett, chief of Spinal Cord Injury Services Center at the VA North Texas, said the device will become part of a stable of devices used for spinal cord injury therapy. “We are very appreciative that SoldierStrong has donated this device today and it will play an important role in improving the lives of veterans with spinal injuries,” Bennett said.

The Therapy+ software suite, included with each Indego Therapy device, incorporates control algorithms based on proven motor learning principles and allows for an individualized, patient-centric training approach where the device responds to a patient’s active contribution and assists in gait only when necessary. Additionally, therapists have a range of customizable settings within the Therapy+ software suite which allow them to further tailor the behavior of the system to specific impairment and gait needs.

“Our veterans deserve the very best medical care available, and we are incredibly proud to see SoldierStrong and the VA system including Indego in the range of treatment options accessible to their patients,” Achilleas Dorotheou, head of the human motion and control business unit for Parker Hannifin, in a release from the company. “Combined with our Therapy+ software suite, Indego is becoming an integral tool for clinicians to provide individualized gait therapy sessions to stroke and spinal cord injury patients, and providing a new level of independence.”

“Today’s announcement is continuing evidence of the strength of the SoliderStrong program and its commitment to delivering innovative technology and advanced rehabilitation to veterans,” said Chris Hummel, chief marketing officer of United Rentals, the largest equipment rental company in the world.  “United Rentals’ partnership with SoliderStrong is a key part of our commitment to supporting veterans, and we congratulate SoliderStrong and the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health System on today’s news.”

SoldierStrong Donates State-of-the-Art Exoskeleton to the St. Louis Veterans Health Care System

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SoldierStrong donated an Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the St. Louis Veterans Health Care System on Friday.

Keith Repko, Director, VA St. Louis Health Care System, said the device will have “a transformational impact” on patients rehabilitating from spinal injuries. “This device, which we are so honored and humbled to receive, will impact veterans in a very meaningful and emotional way. The devices transform lives.”

Jeff Combs, who suffered 10 shattered vertebrae in a 2012 motorcycle accident as a Marine stationed in California, agreed.  Having already worn the exoskeleton eight times in recent days, he touted the “absolutely incredible” emotional and psychological benefits that accompany physical benefits that the exoskeleton affords.

“Six years ago, I didn’t even dream of something like this. I couldn’t fathom it. … I’m living again. I’m not spending day to day just wishing,” said Combs, who demonstrated the Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the loud applause from hospital staff, family, friends and others at the event. “It gives me something to look forward to. That’s something I didn’t have before.“

Combs said two of his greatest joys have been to stand in his family’s Christmas card photo for the first time in six years and to “be able to look people in the eyes when we talk instead of having to look up at the ceiling.“

His mother, Norma, said the first four-plus years after Combs’ injury were dark days, filled with depression and talk of suicide. “I never gave up praying for his complete return of everything. When I see him walk, I know God has answered that prayer,” she said. “I can’t thank everyone involved enough. This is changing people’s lives.“

Dr. Katherine C. Stenson, Spinal Cord Injury Services Center, said the system has had “a very rewarding experience” with exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries since 2016. She praised the VA system’s leadership for supporting greater use of cutting-edge robotic technology, adding, “I’m so extremely grateful to SoldierStrong for donating this device to the St. Louis spinal cord unit and to Indego for working collaboratively with us.“

She said the SoldierStrong-donated device will help a number of veterans in their rehabilitation and to determine who would be candidates to receive their own device for full-time use.

The Therapy+ software suite, included with each Indego Therapy device, incorporates control algorithms based on proven motor learning principles and allows for an individualized, patient-centric training approach where the device responds to a patient’s active contribution and assists in gait only when necessary. Additionally, therapists have a range of customizable settings within the Therapy+ software suite which allow them to further tailor the behavior of the system to specific impairment and gait needs.

“Our veterans deserve the very best medical care available, and we are incredibly proud to see SoldierStrong and the St. Louis Health Care System adding Indego to the range of treatment options accessible to their patients,” Achilleas Dorotheou, head of the human motion and control business unit for Parker Hannifin, in a release from the company. “Combined with our Therapy+ software suite, Indego is becoming an integral tool for clinicians to provide individualized gait therapy sessions to stroke and spinal cord injury patients, and providing a new level of independence.”

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has now surpassed over $2.9 million worth of medical devices in donations that directly help injured veterans. This donation marks the organization’s 18th exoskeleton donation, and 14th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“SoldierStrong is ecstatic to reach the milestone of providing over $2.9 million worth of cutting edge medical devices that directly benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Stephanie Turzanski, executive director of SoldierStrong. “We want to touch as many vets as possible so everyone can have a chance to stand and walk again.”

About VA St. Louis Health Care System
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is part of the VA Heartland Network (VISN 15) which includes, Missouri, southwestern Illinois, and Kansas.  St. Louis VAHCS, the largest tertiary facility in VISN 15, provides highly specialized care for Veterans and is classified as a Complexity Level 1A facility. The Heath Care System provides inpatient and ambulatory care in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, and rehabilitation, and many other subspecialty areas. It is a two-division facility that serves veterans and their families in east central Missouri and southwestern Illinois. The John Cochran Division, located in midtown St. Louis and has all of the medical center’s operative surgical capabilities, the ambulatory care unit, intensive care units, outpatient psychiatry clinics, and expanded laboratory. The Jefferson Barracks Division is a multi-building complex overlooking the Mississippi River in south St. Louis County. It provides psychiatric treatment, spinal cord injury treatment, a nursing home care unit, rehabilitation services, and a rehabilitation domiciliary program for homeless veterans. The St. Louis VAHCS maintains a dual academic affiliation with Washington University Medical School and Saint Louis University School of Medicine along with affiliations with nursing, social work, and several other allied health college and university programs. The John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks Division are undergoing major construction projects that will enable us to better serve veterans’ health care needs.
For more information, visit https://www.stlouis.va.gov/locations/Jefferson_Barracks_Division.asp

About Indego
With dedicated therapy and personal use exoskeletons, Indego provides solutions that address the complete continuum of care – from acute rehabilitation to home and community ambulation. Indego Therapy is cleared by the FDA for use with spinal cord injury patients with injury levels C7 to L5, and for individuals with hemiplegia (with motor function of 4/5 in at least one upper extremity) due to cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to perform ambulatory functions in rehabilitation institutions. Indego Personal is cleared by the FDA to enable individuals with spinal cord injury at levels T3 to L5 to perform ambulatory functions in their home and community. The recently released VA memorandum “Revised Clinical Protocol for Issuance of Powered Exoskeleton Devices to Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury” (found at www.sci.va.gov) expands the protocol for veteran evaluation, training and issuance for personal use exoskeletons to all FDA approved devices, including Indego. For more information about Indego, visit www.indego.com

About Parker Hannifin
Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than 100 years the company has engineered the success of its customers in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

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