Paralyzed Former Chiropractor Claire Lomas Finishes London Marathon
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Poster Profile:
Name: DrTirpak
Email: Amy@cecruncher.com
Age: ????
Location: Tampa, FL
Position: Owner
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Bio:Helping Chiropractors find some class is my job.
Experienced Chiroprctor and Internet lover, Amy Tirpak, DC, started CE Cruncher with the support of the Advertising Agency that she co-owns.
by: DrTirpak posted: May 11, 2012
Claire Lomas, 32, finished the London Marathon; it only took her 16 days. She accomplished it with a pair of Robotic Legs that enabled her to walk, amazing considering she was paralyzed in a horse riding event in 2007.
Just 2 years into practice as a Chiropractor Claire Loomis was competing at Osberton Horse Trials when she collided with a tree in a freak accident. She suffered a spinal cord injury at T4, along with cervical and rib fractures, a punctured lung, and pneumonia. She also had to have a tracheotomy and was in intensive care for 10 days. Her determination to recover started quickly; she was released in the shortest amount of time for anyone with her type of injury from that hospital.
Left paralyzed, she has been determined to continue an active life. On her blog she chronicles her recovery and new athletic challenges from skiing, horseback riding, to getting married and having a baby. Claire displays her determination despite her injuries. The site also talks about her numerous fundraising endeavors for Spinal Research. For the London Marathon she raised $130,000.
Finishing the marathon was made possible by the $70,000 ReWalk suit designed by Argo Medical Technologies. The suit consists of a rigid jointed exoskeleton with bionic lower limbs that are strapped on. She holds on to a pair of crutches with an activation button and motion sensors that detects her movement and balance. A computer activates the motors that propel robotic legs forward. Strapped to her back is a 4 pound battery that powers the device. It allows her not only to stand and walk, but also climb stairs. See it in action on BBC.
When talking about the race Claire said to the BBC "It's a moment I am going to treasure for the rest of my life." She was followed by a group of family and friends for most of the race. AT the end hundreds gathered to cheer her on. She commented, “The last half a mile or so was pretty easy to walk because I had everyone just pushing me forward.”
Want more information, Check out Get Claire Walking.