CIONIC Stories: Darryl’s Next Dance

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Darryl loves spending time with his family and friends, cooking, and hanging out with his new golden doodle/cocker spaniel puppy, Kobe. Darryl has been living with multiple sclerosis for about ten years.

Darryl is now retired, but stays very active, and is currently looking forward to his daughter’s wedding in Malibu next year. In addition to planning for his father-of-the-bride speech, his primary focus is on improving his mobility so he can walk his daughter down the aisle and dance with her.

Living and Working with MS

Darryl majored in engineering technology and worked for about 25 years as an engineering technician. It was at his office that he first observed a change to his mobility — there was a carpet in the office that kept catching his foot. After seeing a doctor for a battery of tests, he understood the reason for his foot drop: multiple sclerosis.

As he progressed in his career, mobility became more of a challenge, and a few years ago Darryl retired. He describes his mobility at the time of retirement as very challenging — that he had to move very slowly with his cane to avoid tripping.

A Positive Change

Darryl has been participating in our home usability trials and has made amazing progress in just a few short months. He is able to walk more and for longer distances, and feels stronger, and the muscles in his impacted leg have increased in size and definition. Not only does he walk with the Neural Sleeve, but he uses the exercises every day, all of which he attributes to his progress.

He shared this story about a recent milestone: “We went to breakfast and there was no room in the parking lot so we had to park a long way away from the restaurant. My wife offered to go get the car and started walking, and I was right there with her all the way to the car. I turned to her and said, ‘I can walk with this Neural Sleeve!’”

Darryl out for a recent walk in his neighborhood

Darryl’s Next Dance

When you meet Darryl and visit his home, it is clear that family is his number one priority. He is incredibly close to his immediate and extended family, and always has a story about a recent or upcoming gathering to share. There are photos throughout his home documenting the many adventures they enjoy together.

His only daughter is getting married in July, and they are all looking forward to it. As father of the bride, Darryl is already thinking about his speech, and he looks forward to dancing with her and walking her down the aisle. They have some songs in mind, but aren’t sharing yet. We’ll have to wait and see the video ourselves!

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