We are very pleased to hear that our NextStep® walking aid device has helped so many people. Here are just a few of those who have recently written to let us know.
I Can Step: The Miracle That Was To Be!
They travelled 8,500 miles. They came all the way from India, the world's largest democracy to be with their daughter during her time of need.
She had been diagnosed with breast cancer and nothing would keep them away, not their advancing age, nor his Parkinson's disease.
Yes! They were going to be there and help out in every trying moment indeed. Five months passed and they ensured their child, through her chemotherapy flew.
Through thick and thin, through all the Parkinson freezing, he passed on as many encouraging smiles one could imagine. As time for their departure back to India drew near, a miracle stood ready to become clear. Mike Tucker and his beautiful wife Donna, were introduced in their lives and along with Mike, came the miracle of the I Can Step cane.
If you're wondering whose writing this message - it is the daughter whose life was filled with laughter.
I have seen my dad go from taking endless minutes trying to take one step to moving around narrow passages, rooms and hallways with so much independence, ease and a new found freedom.
Seeing my dad, who retired from the army as a Lt. Colonel and loved to play sports be it polo, tennis, squash or horse riding, live with Parkinson's the last 14 years has had its moments - but looking at him today with the I Can Step Cane in his hand re-assures me that there are lots more joyous moments he will explore and enjoy as he looks back at his trip to the United States that started out to be one dictated by destiny to help me out and ended with my dad, mom and the rest of our family being gifted with Mike's genius. Not only is "I Can Step" the best gift my dad could have received but meeting Mike and Donna is a blessing we'll always cherish. It's said God reveals Himself in various forms - we saw one when we met Mike.
Thank you Mike for the blessing you've been to our family. Know that you and your family have a home in India.
With our love and gratitude,
The Singh Family (Mohinder, Alka & Shreeya) and Lt. Col. & Mrs. P.S. Chauhan (Alka's parents)
Scott,
Thank you very much for the order, which we received yesterday. You will pleased to hear that the device is really helpful....
the trip from the front door to the car (about 50 metres) now takes about 2 minutes, compared to 15 minutes!
Carmel from England
CUSTOMER UPDATE:
You asked me to keep you updated of my dad's progress with your product you kindly sent.
He is now really used to it, and sometimes goes so fast, I have to slow him down! He still has freezing episodes, and just has to be careful that he keeps slowly, so he doesn't trip,
as his co-ordination is not so good. -- Best wishes and thanks again, Carmel
Mike,
I met you in the bike shop in Charlottesville this morning and it was a pleasure meeting you, the gift you gave my Father was something my family will never forget--it was mobility. The cane you designed helped his mind to remember to move, it allowed him to mobile around his house and to go for walks around the neighborhood. You gave my Dad an incredible gift, he once was a great runner and loved to journey around the hills of his neighborhood, with the help of your cane he returned to those hills.
You are an incredible person and you should be very proud of what you have done, my family thanks you very much,
Paul from Virginia
Scott,
Thank you so much for your personal attention. The cane arrived on
Saturday and has changed my life. I went out to dinner and was able to walk
into the restaurant without hesitation. It has replaced my walker and given
me a new sense of freedom. Congratulations on its development and thank you.
Basil
Dear Scott,
I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to evaluate your Next Step walking cane. My brother put it together and showed me how it worked. The first time that I used it, I felt very nervous and I didn?t know what to expect. After a few days using it, I felt a little comfortable. I could go to social and sporting events without worrying about freezing or getting stuck in the middle of the crowd. That was my biggest fear because everyone made me feel nervous and uncomfortable. Granted, it still doesn?t make me stop getting nervous and freeze, but by having this cane by my side it makes me secure and has reduced my freezing symptoms significantly.
My real first experience with the cane is when I went to Opening Day at Yankee Stadium with well over 55,000 in attendance. I froze a little. If I didn?t have the cane, I would have had a tough time getting around and freezing in the middle of the crowd. This is the reason why I hesitated in going out.and socializing.
I like the cane very much. It does not cure the problem, but it helps me. I would recommend the Next Step to anyone who has a movement disorder similar to mine. I am afraid to go anywhere without the cane. It certainly does work and helps me a lot with my walking.
Sincerely yours, New NextStep User
Hi Mike,
I got a second wind this evening so I wanted to convey to you how pleased Tony and I are with your Next Step product. We took it to our Parkinson's Support Group Meeting today to show the other members how much it has helped Tony . There are several times during the day when Tony may have a problem walking, especially in the early morning & late in the evening . During those times he festinates or shuffles as he tries to walk. Sometimes he freezes . In the past I've tried other methods to help him walk . For instance , I may put my foot in front of his to stimulate his thought process to walk or I may use a path of books for him to walk over. Of course these methods are not always practical. Having a cane with the Next Step attachment gives him so much more independence . In the morning he doesn't have to wait for me before he can walk into another room .When we take a walk outside he doesn't have to worry that half way through his walk he is going to freeze . If he does freeze , he just has to activate the r
od in your Next Step device as a visual that tells his mind that he has to step up . He can continue his walk without relying on someone helping him with every step. Tony demonstated the use of his cane with the Next Step attachment to our support group . One never knows what the individual progression of Parkinson's will bring ,so everyone was very interested in learning about your wonderful invention . I left the information on the table for anyone to take or look at , & they know where they can reach us . If they ever need help to overcome some of those moments of immobility, its wonderful knowing help is available . Thank you so much .
Sincerely, Dorothy & Tony Buschi
Mike,
It was great to talk to you the other day about the NextStep. As I mentioned on the phone there is a gentleman I know who is retired from Pfizer and has Parkinson's disease. Dr. Danielle
Steward-Gelinas is the therapist there and I spoke to her about your
invention and wondered if it would work for this gentleman. Danielle said
that she was willing to give it a shot and that they would also see that the
Parkinson's Group at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital was made aware of the
device as well. I would greatly appreciate if you would send them one of
your devices to try and Danielle and Debbie will then provide you with some
feedback. I hope they realize the same results you have!
