Emily Maki was doing exercises she had done hundreds of times before when her life changed in an instant.
Those who know Emily Maki best would describe her as light, sunshine and an incredible teammate.
The same people gathered around Wells’ young mother after a freak accident at the gym in September left her paralyzed from the waist down.
Maki was doing a “clean and press”, a common workout in the CrossFit community. A lift takes a weight from the floor and pushes it overhead before returning it to the floor. Maki lost control of her weight in the middle of the lift.
“It is still very traumatic for me to talk about the accident itself. [was] “I’ve literally done it 600 times before,” Maki said.I was doing what I love on a daily basis…the world [changed] That day. “
“I remember riding in an ambulance with my boss. It was probably one of the most painful things I have ever experienced.
Since the accident, Maki has focused on recovery at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
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“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, some days hurting my legs and my lifestyle,” Maki said. But then one day I was like, ‘I got this,’ so I definitely got this.”
“This is a challenge. Everything will look very different, but 100%, I got this,” added Maki.
That recovery process includes everything from learning how to navigate new everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of a wheelchair, to using a device known as a Locomat, to assist with a possible future mobility and sensory experience. Everything is included.
According to her physical therapist, Lokomat is a robotic exoskeleton that allows Maki to walk on a treadmill, strapped to a harness and lifted onto the treadmill.
Her legs also act as joints and are bound to braces that move Maki’s legs for her. It will become less frequent.
“This is like the first phase of nerve recovery after a spinal cord injury,” said Teresa, Maki’s physiotherapist.
“Studies show that she’s doing a walking-like motion with pressure…it could be that her nerves, spinal cord, and brain all work together to help her wake up a little.” So it should set a spark in her body — let’s see if we can get the nerves back from there,” Teresa said.
“It’s strange to look down and see your legs move,” Maki said while using the machine. “It feels really weird because I can’t feel them. I can see them.” So it’s a little wild.Standing upright is also hard.I really need to be engaged in everything because it’s your core.
Maki posted everyone at her home in Maine on her Instagram account, One More Rep For Em. Her gym community has been rooting for her from afar, especially since her beginning.
Andre and Katie Mercier own the gym where Emily’s accident happened.
“Everyone was just heartbroken. We knew it was going to be really upsetting for everyone, so we had to put people aside and talk to them one-on-one,” said Katie Mercier. “So at first it’s terribly sad, but then they get together and say, ‘What can we do?'” One of the coolest parts of our gym One is all these helpers. ”
Those helpers have created GoFundMe pages, bumper stickers, and even workouts called “Maki.” They’ve been doing everything to raise awareness, but most importantly, they’re making money for Maki and his son Eben.
“She’s always in a wheelchair, so everything has to be accessible,” Mercier said. We’re talking about being able to reach her, being able to walk through doorways, being able to use the bathroom, shower, etc. by herself. What do I need to put in and hopefully I can find a job that she can do and I can take Eben with me as usual.”
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Despite her new reality, Maki said she is really looking forward to her new normal. I’m seeing
“It’s silly to wear shoes or pants. It’s a workout, but I can get good at it and do my best to be the best I can be.” “And this is my gym. It seems pretty small and it looks pretty silly, but this is my life and I’m going to do my best. I’m going to look different.” only.”
When asked how he keeps that perspective, Maki replied:
“You have to choose. Every face you see throughout your day, every interaction you have, how you treat that person, how you leave that person.” It’s a choice Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I’m like ‘I’m going to break’, you know life is hard so I cry but when you come out I’ll be here and I can choose I can choose to put a smile on my face And nine times out of ten When you smile, you feel better. “
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