Hey there,

Did you know that there are 5.4 million Americans living with some degree of paralysis? It's a staggering number, and unfortunately, many of these individuals face numerous challenges once they return home from rehab. They often deal with isolation, health complications, a higher risk of depression and suicide, decreased life expectancy, and limited resources.

That's where we come in. We're a nonprofit dedicated to serving people with neurological injuries and conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and more. Our mission is to provide comprehensive activity-based therapy (ABT) programs to help them overcome these challenges.

Activity-Based Therapy (ABT) is a specialized therapy that activates specific neural networks in the central nervous system below the level of injury. It's been proven that the spinal cord has the ability to learn and re-learn through repetitive teaching, but it needs structured training focused on specific tasks. At NextStep, we take a unique approach to training these neural networks through repetitive exercises that target elements of function related to recovery. By doing so, we enable people with paralysis to improve their overall health, gain functional independence, participate in activities, and enhance their quality of life.

Here's the thing: while the average NextStep client receives 150 hours of hands-on ABT per year, insurance typically only covers 10-20 hours of traditional physical therapy annually. That's why we're here to bridge the gap. We offer a high staff-to-client ratio of up to 4:1, ensuring that each individual receives the necessary attention and assistance tailored to their needs.

Right now, there are no facilities in Tennessee that provide ABT, and we're going to change that. NextStep Nashville aims to be the ninth location in our network, joining the ranks of Los Angeles, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Raleigh, Orlando, New Zealand, and Ukraine. We're working hard to raise funds to open our physical location in Nashville by 2024. By supporting us, you'll be making a meaningful impact on the lives of fellow Tennesseans living with paralysis and their families.

If you'd like to learn more about what we do, please visit our website at www.nextstepfitness.org. Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for your support.

Heather Ahler, PT, DPT

Co-founder: NextStep Nashville 501 (c) 3

NextStep Nashville's Making Strides Together Gala

To Benefit Paralysis Recovery