Kirk, Melissa and Alexa Ingram: Moving forward with strength and determination
In July 2015, Kirk Ingram and his wife and high school sweetheart, Melissa, had just become first-time parents to daughter Alexa. Two weeks later on August 1, the 28-year-old new father was spending an afternoon boating on Lake Minnetonka with friends when he playfully dove off the pontoon into shallow water. He hit his head on the bottom of the lake and the impact of his dive crushed his spine. "The moment I dove in, I was not able to turn my head up whatsoever. I vividly remember that," he said.
Kirk underwent seven hours of surgery and today remains paralyzed from the chest down. During his recovery, Kirk spent six months in the Courage Kenny's Transitional Rehabilitation Program which serves as a bridge between hospital care and home. Nine months post-injury, he returned home to Melissa and their daughter, whom Kirk is still unable to hold. "I can talk to her, and Melissa has been great about putting her on my lap," he said. "She'll grab my arm, which is always nice." He continues to participate in outpatient therapy three days a week working to regain strength.
Prior to his injury, Kirk was an IT project manager. He says the support he has received from his company has been amazing. He is learning to operate a computer using dictation software with training from Courage Kenny's Assistive Technology team, and is excited to get back to his position as soon as possible. "I can give short commands that allow me to navigate the computer as well as type, by using verbal commands, not physical contact with the computer," he said.
Kirk has been working hard at his recovery, and Kirk and Melissa have a busy schedule with outpatient therapies and fitness. One of the highlights is using Courage Kenny's 92-degree therapy pool as a family. "Alexa loves the pool time!" In the warm water, Kirk can float and make minor movements which help him improve physical strength and function. When asked about his future goals, Kirk said, "My short-term goal is to drive my chair without an arm sling and be able to feed myself and feed Alexa. My number one goal has always been to hold Alexa."
Kirk underwent seven hours of surgery and today remains paralyzed from the chest down. During his recovery, Kirk spent six months in the Courage Kenny's Transitional Rehabilitation Program which serves as a bridge between hospital care and home. Nine months post-injury, he returned home to Melissa and their daughter, whom Kirk is still unable to hold. "I can talk to her, and Melissa has been great about putting her on my lap," he said. "She'll grab my arm, which is always nice." He continues to participate in outpatient therapy three days a week working to regain strength.
Prior to his injury, Kirk was an IT project manager. He says the support he has received from his company has been amazing. He is learning to operate a computer using dictation software with training from Courage Kenny's Assistive Technology team, and is excited to get back to his position as soon as possible. "I can give short commands that allow me to navigate the computer as well as type, by using verbal commands, not physical contact with the computer," he said.
Kirk has been working hard at his recovery, and Kirk and Melissa have a busy schedule with outpatient therapies and fitness. One of the highlights is using Courage Kenny's 92-degree therapy pool as a family. "Alexa loves the pool time!" In the warm water, Kirk can float and make minor movements which help him improve physical strength and function. When asked about his future goals, Kirk said, "My short-term goal is to drive my chair without an arm sling and be able to feed myself and feed Alexa. My number one goal has always been to hold Alexa."