When she was born she wasn't expected to live past 48 hours....she did! She dealt with many obstacles growing up. She was born with Cerebral Palsy and was abused as a child. She has always had a "never say never" attitude.

She was told she would never go to college...she has twice and received two degrees.

She was told she would never live independently...she is.

What drives her...Her faith, friends, and the dreams that she turns into goals.

She is...Hope on Wheels.

Be inspired by her courage, drive, and faith in God.  Your life will forever be changed once you hear Rhonda Clark tell her story live and in person.

CLICK HERE For booking information or call 615-944-8509.
 

  Audio - "I Am Who I Am" by Holly Dunn   

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from www.easystand.com which requires Adobe Reader

STANDING EYE TO EYE   BY RHONDA CLARK

I got my stander on January 31, 2006 after it was recommended by my PT Kim McPhail as an alternative to sitting in my power chair all day. After consulting with my friend and excellent OTR Teresa Plummer, we all agreed that I needed to get one. I can no longer walk with crutches due to the stress on my shoulders. So, when I got my EasyStand 5000 Youth I really saw the benefits, almost immediately. For me, it was just awesome to have another option besides sitting. Not to mention, the fact that when I stand, I can actually tell that blood is being circulated to my feet and I get a prickly sensation. My goal is to be able to get in and out of the stander independently. I can get out of it independently now.

Check with your insurance provider to see if standers are covered. If not, I would contact Altimate Medical’s funding hotline or contact some local groups in your area. Remember, there is always a way!

I contacted two DME vendors in town and found out which one would give me the better value, since this would be a cash deal and the stander was not covered through my insurance at my job. I also called Nancy Perlich at Altimate Medical and she sent me the funding guide. Once I found out how much it was going to cost I started to save money. I also asked my friends (instead of giving a lot of Christmas gifts) if they could give me money to put towards the stander. I also contacted a non-profit organization called MusiCares, they help folks who make a living in the music industry who may need assistance. They also gave a donation, and I got some money from some of the nurses at the Summit Medical Center where I volunteer on Saturdays. With all of the money put together I was able to get my first stander!

All of the money came together the week before Christmas. Once the stander was ordered from Williams Medical Supply in Nashville, TN, I had it within one week. Bob Brake, CRTS at Williams Medical Supply was great to work with and I got great service. Bob and one other staff person came out and set it up at my house while at the same time Teresa Plummer, OTR was at my home and made sure that it was adjusted properly and would be safe for me to use. So, not only did I get a great product from EasyStand, but I also received great service from the vendor.

I love the fact that I don’t have to spend all day (16 hours a day) in my chair anymore. It helps my hips, back and trunk muscles. The great thing the stander does for me is gives me a chance to stretch out my very tight hips. The stander helps with my breathing as I have Asthma and when I’m standing my lungs aren’t smashed. I am currently getting to stand in it twice a week, sometimes three times a week. It depends on if I can get help standing in it since I live independently, but can’t get in the stander myself yet. However, that is my goal.

My hips are stretched out more often now. So when I’m standing I try to reach across the table in front of me to stretch my arms out. I also do my shoulder blade squeezes while I’m standing because they are much easier to do standing, rather than sitting in the chair. After having two shoulder surgeries, doing shoulder blade squeezes are very important.

One night I was talking to my friend Paul on the phone and he said, “So, what are you doing?” I replied, “I am standing in my stander holding the phone with my hand talking to you.” He said, “That’s awesome.” For 8 years Paul has only known me sitting in my chair. I was holding the phone with my right hand, and until my shoulder surgeries, my right hand was drawn up and tightly-fisted shut.

It gives me a sense of freedom from my chair and a sense of pride that I can still stand even though I can’t walk with crutches anymore. It’s really neat to be able to look people in the eye when you’re talking with them rather than having them look down at you because you’re sitting. One of the other really cool things was when I was standing and had my picture taken with Teresa Plummer, OTR. Teresa was also the one who fit me for the stander. Talk about making a difference! Everyone that I have worked with in the past 10 years has truly made a difference and helped me become completely independent!

To parents/caregivers: It is very important that if you have a child with a disability, to love your child as a child first, and then if they can’t advocate for what they need, you can be their best advocates. It is also extremely important to work with a good OT or PT to make sure that the correct product is purchased and used in a safe manner for your child’s benefit. You also want to make sure that that someone (the OT, PT, etc.) can monitor the standing program.

To PT/OT’s: I believe that a standing program is a supplement to therapy services. They are both vital to the user. You too, can be an advocate for your student and/or patient which was my case. If anything, beside the therapeutic aspect, standing also may give the user a sense of belonging or even build self-esteem. So, please make a difference for others in the same way it was done for me.

Adults Users: If you own a stander, you already know the benefits of standing. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend that you work with a PT or an OT to get a stander that meets your needs. The benefits of having one far out way not having one.

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Read Rhonda's Athena Award Winning Scholarship Essay!

I DIDN’T GET HERE BY MYSELF by Rhonda Clark

I believe that my worthy purpose is helping people and making a difference in their lives, just as many people have made a difference in mine.

I was born prematurely with cerebral palsy and not expected to live past the age of one. My parents never accepted the fact that I had a disability. My maternal grandparents assured me that anything was possible, instilled self-confidence in me, and reminded me that I was the only person who could deter obstacles. Teachers, friends, physical therapists, occupational therapists and faith shaped me into who I am today.

I have been living independently since I was a senior in high school and only needed assistance with the daily living chores of dressing and bathing. After college I moved from Green Bay to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. A physical therapist taught me the art of independence which allowed me to continue working. Her influence and belief in me left me with a powerful impression which I continue to reflect upon.

After many years of self-discovery and following my dream, I have a position in the music industry. My next goal is to enter the medical field with a desire to help people just as I was helped.

Recent shoulder surgeries have enabled my right hand to open after being tightly-fisted for 34 years, and don my own socks, braces and shoes, achieving total independence. I am grateful for the people who made my lifestyle change possible, and certain that they were dedicated to helping me, knowing that I would somehow return the favor to others who need help.

Some people ask “Why do you think you have cerebral palsy?” I believe that my purpose is to educate people and make a positive impact on everyone I meet. My worthy purpose is very clear.

Consideration for the ATHENA Scholarship is an honor. If approved, I plan to finish my current educational goals and ultimately create a foundation designed to assist people who do not have insurance and other basic human needs. The individuals I envision helping are people with permanent physical disabilities as well as temporary conditions.

I am currently enrolled at Nashville State Technical Community College in Anatomy and Physiology pursuing a medical certificate. The additional courses that I need to take are: ICD-CM Coding, CPT Coding, Medical Insurance, and Pharmacology. Once I complete the courses and earn the certificate it will make me a valuable asset in the healthcare industry and the idea of starting a foundation to help others become a reality.

My worthy purpose is to help people in need achieve their goals and dreams just as others have helped me. I am grateful for my grandparents, teachers, physical therapists, friends, financial advisor, and real estate agent who have helped me along the way. This scholarship would be a wonderful beginning, not only for me, but also for those that I intend to help.

My intention is to create a fund which can be accessed through an application process to assist with financial aid and advocacy. I plan to serve as an advocate for people with physical disabilities to help them navigate the maze of agencies, healthcare providers, resources and companies who provide the items or services people need to live their lives more independently. This includes information regarding housing, durable medical equipment, physician referral, therapy referral services, transportation services, social security and the like.

Once I was employed full-time, I attended Financial Peace University. Through application of those principles I was able to pay off my college debts.

I went from being a person with a disability on government assistance to a productive tax paying citizen. I took great pleasure in calling the Social Security Administration and telling them that I had a full-time job and no longer needed the SSI assistance. I told them they could use it for some else.

Through careful planning, educating myself about real estate and severe budgeting (I even cancelled my cable TV contract); I was finally in a position to purchase my first condominium. That was a huge step; however, a local real estate agent held my hand and assisted me through the entire process of becoming a homeowner.

In 2003 I was able to purchase a new full-size van with a wheelchair lift, through the process of setting up a budget, kind donations, and fundraisers from friends.

Many people helped me realize that my goals and dreams are just like the goals and dreams of others. I am not the person I am because of anything I have said or done. I believe that I am who I am because of the kindness, generosity, patience and commitment of others.

If I am chosen to receive the scholarship I will pay it forward and make a difference for others.

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CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE - TEAM TRAINING
by Rhonda Clark

When most of us think of team training we think of sports.  Well, I am here to tell you about two weeks worth of team training of another kind; One that will forever change my life.

In January, I received a call from Melinda at Canine Companions For Independence (CCI) in Orlando, Florida saying that they may have a dog for me.  You may be wondering, “Why go all the way to Florida for a dog”? Well these aren’t just any dogs.  These dogs are highly trained service dogs and skilled companion dogs that assist people with disabilities in their daily lives.

After some quick planning and arranging to be in Orlando for 2 weeks, I was driven in my van to Florida on February 3^rd to begin two weeks of intense, but also fun training.  We were in class listening to lectures, learning commands, working with carpet dog, (not a real dog) and then we worked with real dogs.  This was all in the first week.  By the end of the first week we went on our first field trip to Best Buy to see how we, as well as the dogs, would do in public.  The entire second week was filled with field trips to Target, Olive Garden, Pet Smart, etc.

There were eight other families besides myself, so we all hung out in the Great Room and talked or quizzed each other on what we learned that day.  There were definitely special friendships made by all.

After working with three different dogs the program manager, Lori, made matches for everyone.  I was matched with Art II or Art for short.  After much trial and error Lori and her staff realized that it would be best for me to use a gentle leader collar on Art so that it would be easier for me as the handler.  Art is a cross-breed lab retriever.  His nickname is “Handsome Man”.  He has already done some great things for me, like picking up my checkbook from under the table.  I could go on just like any new parent.  Art is very smart and gentle.  He reminds me of George Burns because he is slow and easy.  The best thing is that he is right there when I need him and he loves me unconditionally.

A little information about CCI:  CCI is a 501c3 non-profit organization.  They receive no government funding and rely solely on individual and corporate donations and countless volunteers.  If you would like to learn more about CCI just visit my recommended links or you may go directly on the web at www.cci.org.  You may also make a donation online.  If you would like to contribute to the SE Region specifically, let me know and I will send you the address.

To the Southeast Regional Training Staff:

• Monie:  Thanks for hard work and dedication.  You were awesome to work with and thanks for making me believe I was going to go home with Art.

• Jennifer:  Thanks for working so hard with me and Art with the automatic doors etc.  He sure is a Handsome Man!

• Summer:  Thanks for your patience and encouragement during the Public Access Test.

• Emily:  Thanks for being so willing to help everyone.

• Lori:  It takes a special person to deal with the personalities of the people and the dogs and you are the perfect person for the job.  Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude for you dedication and love for what you do!  Always remember even on the rough days “You Rock and I Roll.”

The entire CCI Staff and Volunteers are Exceptional People raising and training Exceptional Dogs!

Lastly, the breeders, the puppy raisers, the staff and the many volunteers - Thanks for making a difference for so many people!

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