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Meet Aaron Baker

Aaron Baker
Spinal Cord Injury Lifestyle Specialist | Shield HealthCare
07/22/16  12:00 PM PST
Spinal Cord Injury Lesión de Médula Espinal

My name is Aaron Baker. I am a recovering quadriplegic athlete, ambassador, entrepreneur and friend. More than a decade ago I broke my neck while racing a motorcycle. My doctors gave me a grim prognosis of having only a one-in-a-million chance of ever feeding myself, not to mention walking or doing much else. Today, however, I can proudly and gratefully say I have surpassed their projection for my life by setting and achieving many world-firsts. These achievements include pedaling a bicycle across the country twice, racing that bicycle for the United States Paralympic cycling team, and most recently, I walked independently across Death Valley, California. You can see more pictures and hear more about these achievements in my recorded webinar, or click the video below to watch a video introducing me to the Shield HealthCare community:

spinal cord injurySpinal Cord InjurySpinal Cord Injury

“Lying there in the dirt, motionless and completely aware of my plight, brought forth a life-altering realization of my place in life. No longer a professional motorcycle rider, skate boarder, surfer, snowboarder, mountain biker, or even a simple fisherman, made me realize that I am destined to do far greater things in my life than winning championships aboard a motorcycle. I was meant to do things that affect people’s lives. I can help people through my own adversity, bringing hope and inspiration to those without.”

Through my process of recovery, redefinition, and ultimately the rebuilding of my entire life, there has always been one consistent desire: to share.

Spinal Cord Injury

Today, I am a proud adventure athlete, SCI ambassador/spokesperson, co-founder of C.O.R.E. Centers LLC, and founder of the Adversity Into Adventure Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides high-impact organizations for disabilities with funding in recreation, rehabilitation and neurological research.

 

About the Adversity Into Adventure Foundation

Aaron biking across USAWith a commitment to fostering resilience and personal development, the Adversity Into Adventure Foundation provides high-impact organizations for disabilities with funding in recreation, rehabilitation and neurological research.

At the Adversity Into Adventure Foundation, we believe that adversity doesn’t define us; it’s how we respond to it that shapes our adventure. We aim to equip individuals with the tools, experiences, and support necessary to overcome obstacles and turn adversity into a catalyst for self discovery.

 

About C.O.R.E.

Spinal Cord InjuryC.O.R.E. (Center Of Restorative Exercise) is a niche gym located in Los Angeles, CA, that provides the benefits of ongoing Restorative Exercise™ to individuals with chronic illness and/or debilitating conditions.

It is C.O.R.E.’s belief and enduring philosophy that the risk of secondary complications and degenerative changes that typically follow a disabling condition may be prevented and/or significantly reduced if restorative exercise becomes an important part of the daily routine of every individual.

 

 

Spinal Cord Injury

As Shield HealthCare’s Spinal Cord Injury Lifestyle Specialist, I will share my life living with a Spinal Cord Injury, exposing my trials and tribulations and personal lifestyle. By bringing everyone along for the ride, I intend to educate, inspire and motivate with tools for recovery, health and management of a Spinal Cord Injury.

I hope to have you join me on this adventure. The possibilities are endless!

Upcoming Webinars
Get Started with Shield HealthCare
I have a trip coming up and I am having trouble envisioning how I can safely and hygienically self-catheterize in a typical men’s restroom stall.
John
Travel can be intimidating with all the unknown variables, especially when it comes to using bathroom facilities that may be less accessible, unkempt and under-equipped. My best defense against this is a strong offense, meaning preparation!
 

Comments

4 comments

  1. I have a spinal cord tumor at C5 – C6 with myelomacia. It is to intermingled to take it out. It is not cancer. I “walked” into surgery and came out in a whhel chair, partially paralyzed on the entire right side, losing muscle use and feeling all over my body & a lot of pain. Everybody gave up on me. Im not done yet. Medi-cal doesnt help m

    1. Hi Shari,
      You said it all by saying… “I’m not done yet”. This is precisely the spirit needed to live and manage a spinal cord injury. The daily challenges are great and demand willingness. All I can say is… “The one who travels the path of least resistance settles for mediocrity, One who faces their challenges shall rise above and overcome with excellence”.
      Be well!
      Aaron

  2. How does a C4,5,6 quad heal the injury and be able to walk, ride a bike and move all limbs independently? Did I understand you correctly? The pictures look as tho you are up and moving on your own. Please explain how you did this!

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