Evidence To Excellence: News In Neuroplasticity and Rehab

Episode 36: Life with a Spinal Cord Injury, Told By Danny Heumann

• The Recovery Project • Season 1 • Episode 36

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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Danny Heumann and TJ Hosa, PT, DPT. Danny shares his story of life before, during, and after having a spinal cord injury. TJ shares his insight on being Danny's Physical Therapist, friend, and what the future may hold for treatment of spinal cord injures.


Danny Heumann was paralyzed in a car accident on August 13, 1985, 2 weeks before he was to begin his freshman year at Syracuse University. He began at Syracuse a year later and graduated in 1991 from the Newhouse School of Communications with a degree in Television, Radio, Film, Management, and a minor in Political Science. He is involved as a patient advocate and leader of many organizations such as being the Vice President of the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, a foundation started by his parents, family and friends. Before joining with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in 2007, the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research raised over $5 million dollars in its 22 year existence. In 2003, Danny along with his wife Lynn started Heumannly Capable, a motivational speaking/consulting company. Danny has spoken to a wide range of audiences from all over the country including fortune 500 companies, health organizations, small companies, colleges, and universities. In 2005, Danny was instrumental with other advocates in creating a grassroots coalition, Michigan Citizens Stem Cell Research and Cures. Since the summer of 2016, Danny has been the ADA consultant at Syracuse University in Campus Planning Design and Construction, and Facility Services assisting in all aspects of accessibility. He loves traveling between Syracuse and Ann Arbor, MI where he lives with his wife Lynn and their 21 year old daughter Katie who will be graduating college next spring. Danny's philosophy for his life: he lives for today but he hopes for tomorrow.


Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University (2011) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University (2015). TJ has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project for 10 years. He is the lead of the spinal cord injury and vestibular programs and has additional training in functional electrical stimulation (FES). TJ also specializes in the implementation of high intensity therapy for patients with neuro diagnoses. He is also certified in dry needling and has used it to treat spasticity and a multitude of pain syndromes.

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