From a broken neck to recovery in California

We take for granted our ability to walk. Imagine having to learn your first steps again because of a broken neck, back or spinal cord injury. For some with spinal cord injuries, Project Walk in Carlsbad, Calif., has provided the alternative healing necessary to walk again. That was the case for John Pou, who told his story to the North County Times:

'I don't walk -- not yet,' said John Pou, 38, who broke his neck diving over a wave off the coast of North Carolina in August 2005 and relocated with his family to North County last year to receive treatment at Project Walk.

'I definitely have made progress. When I first got here, I could barely balance in a wheelchair,' Pou said, motioning toward his legs and adding, 'I'm working on the lower half now.'

Pou's wife, Marci, said that she found Project Walk while researching recovery options for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

'I was reading an article in a magazine on alternative methods for healing' that mentioned the project, she said. 'I felt like God spoke to me -- this was the place.'

Project Walk also has centers in Portland, Ore., and Boston. The unique method of recovery taught at Project Walk has found success because of its focus on how to overcome rather than on how to cope.