2008 Combined Test to Benefit Paul Rudat
Sunday, April 6th, 2008
* Results now available! *
About Paul Rudat
On June 26, 2004, Paul Rudat, son of local horsewoman Jean Storie, dove into a shallow pond (on his graduation day from high school) leaving him a quadrapalegic. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Since that day, Paul has maintained an outstanding attitude and done everything he can to keep himself in excellent shape (both mentally and physically) and to prove doctors wrong.
On April 28, 2006, Paul underwent an experimental (adult) stem cell surgery in Portugal using his own stem cells in hopes of regaining some of his lost function. This proved most helpful in his hands as well as occasional responses in the abdominal muscles. He did also regain his internal 'thermostat' and a percent of temperature sensation in his legs and feet. Though they were not the huge gains he had hoped for in his legs, he has continuted to work like an athlete in an attempt to continue to gain function in his body (no matter where it might come).
In the fall of 2007, Paul spent 10 weeks living in an apartment in Atlanta, GA and attending the Beyond Therapy program at the Shepherd Center (specializing in spinal cord injuries). He spent much of his time there working on his core...especially trying to get those abdominal muscles in! He hoped to return home with a '6-pack'. For the work he put in (110%..in the words of his therapists), he should've had that reward in the end. Unfortunately with this type of injury, working like 'an olympian' might get you 10% of the gain...'might' being the key word (not fair!!).
Paul came home on Thanksgiving day (2007) with much to be thankful for. The time spent away was very good for him. He proved to himself that he could manage things on his own. He came home with a lot more strength (mentally and physically) and a new lofty goal...to tryout for the 2008 paralympics for swimming. Since then, he has been training in the pool 5-6 days/week and has continued his weight training in the gym. He will swim in Minneapolis, MN in 4 events during the week of 3/31 to 4/6 of 2008.
This young man has maintained such a positive attitude since the day this horrible, life-altering accident occurred. He has been an inspiration to many with his motto...'never EVER quit!' Thank you for your support! For more on his story, go to www.paulspath.com
