Right Place, Right Time!

Brave. Strong. Compassionate. These are words that have been tossed my way over the last few years, but never once have I caught them and accepted them for me.  Instead, I applied these words to friends, or to family members, or co-workers.  Someone else deserved them, not me.  I felt totally undeserved!
 
But much has happened this week. Many laughs, many cries, many knees bent and eyes closed moments, many talks with those I trust and love dearly. This week, I do feel awfully brave. I have had more doors slammed in my face yet God has given me the strength to kick them down and sprint forward. And I know my heart is consumed with love and compassion for helping others. I wake each morning wondering how I can put smiles on my children's faces, or how I can take a load off of a co-worker's shoulders. This week I feel deserving of these words. 

The reason for my post today is because I see that God has placed me in the right place, at the right time, doing what He has planned for me to do all along.  I see that many years of tragedy and hardship have led to this moment of being able to help people in a mighty way. And I am honored to take on this responsibility.  With many supporters and my best friend Roman Reed, we are bolstering efforts for regenerative medicine research with the Alabama Institute of Medicine . Our AIM team is determined to change the scope of medicine by supporting cutting edge stem cell treatments in Alabama. 

 Click here for more information about AIM.

There are thousands of people praying to experience another lifetime moment with their family and loved ones. A teenage girl diagnosed with cancer wants to have more moments of belly laughter around a dinner table with friends. A grandfather wants to have more pitches thrown to his grandson before Parkinson's Disease takes the use of his body and mind. A young mother wants more smiles from her newborn baby diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). When I think of these precious faces, my fears, doubts, and pains are replaced by courage, faith, and peace. 
 
AIM is a reality and it will lead to cures for disease and injury!
 
So moving forward with AIM, life, children, etc..., I have to take a deep breath and remember my favorite excerpt from Matthew 6:
 

"That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life

And what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing! …Can any of you, however much you worry, add one single cubit to your span of life?
And why worry about clothing?
Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin;
Yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.
Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field…
Will he not much more look after you, you who have so little faith?

So do not worry;

Do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?”
Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.
Set your hearts on his kingdom first…
So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own."

In closing, I want to say "Thank You!" for the kinds words and support over these last few years of uncertainty. So many of you have walked every step of this journey with me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for each and every one of you and for the prayers and words of encouragement sent my way.  Much love! ~ Tory

AIMED for a Cure in 2013!

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!

As 2012 comes to an end and I think back over the past twelve months - a wondereful job which relocated my children and me to a new home, town, and community, I feel so fortunate to have been inspired to help others. 

Most of the people that I am close to are people who have experienced tremendous hardships. Whether it be disease, injury, a broken family, financial strain, etc..., I've felt responsible to make a difference in their situation.  In doing this, it helped me to see solutions rather than entertain problems.  And to me, there is nothing better than seeing others happy, especially when I have somehow contributed to their happiness.

There are many people and situations that have shaped me into the person I am, but it is my sister Tera that has inspired me to make a difference in a mighty big way. 

My office at the Spain Rehabilitation Center is directly across from a building that means so much to my family and me.  Children's of Alabama is the place where my sister's life was saved and was home to my mom and Tera for nearly three years.  From her 9th grade year in High School until her Senior year, Tera battled a rare type of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma.

I thank God each day that my sister won her battle with cancer and has been in complete remission since 1990.

You would think our family would be spared from anything more, but as we all know, disease does not spare one family over another.  In 2010, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, so of course this is another disease that my family and me would like to be an epic of the past.  As you see in the photo below, people like me living with PKD experience sharp pains when tiny cysts develop and burst on the kidney(s).  People can live with only one kidney, but unfortunately, this disease has attacked both of mine.  My diagnosis was made at a young age, so with lifestyle modifications including healthy eating and moderate exercise, I should live a long and happy life with my family. 

I’m not a doctor or researcher, so I can't invent a cure for PKD, Cancer, or other diseases.  But I can be an advocate for regenerative medicine and help raise money for research.  Yes friends, this is EXACTLY what I plan to do in 2013.

To launch my efforts I made a phone call to my dear friend and ally Senator Marc Keahey.  Marc and I teamed up together in 2011 to help TJ Atchison pass an initiative in Alabama known as the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act.  You can read more about the passing of "TJ's Law" here...

Marc knows by now that when I give him a call without emailing first, something is in the works.  For thirty minutes, I explained to Marc my plans to fund research that will target and eliminate every disease known to man.

To some this goal may seem unreachable, but not to Marc and I.  We have planned and reached out to those who can and will help us.  A name you've heard so much of this year is Roman Reed, and he is behind us all the way.  With Roman and Marc's support and involvement in this initiative, I know there are no limits to what we can accomplish. 

And the best part of this AIMED for a Cure initiative, is that YOU and YOUR loved ones will benefit 100% from these efforts. 

So, as we head into 2013, I want you to know there are determined people doing incredible things to make this New Year our best one yet.  I promise to update on our progress in a few weeks, but for now, I want to wish all of you a blessed and happy New Year.  Take care and much love!  ~ Tory

Christmas Blessings 2012



Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! Much Love ~ Tory, Catie, Carlie, Conner, & Courtney

From a Ribbon-Cutting to a Foundation, TJ Atchison is Moving Mountains for Paralysis Cure!

November 13, 2012 was a day that TJ Atchison will treasure forever as over 100 people gathered at UAB's North Pavilion Atrium for the Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.  (*All image copyright Fred Powell)

 

 

The event began with a warm welcome and introductions by Dr. Amie McLain, Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Pre-recorded greetings were shown from UAB's Interim President Dr. Richard Marchase and from Dr. Robert Kimberly, Associate Vice President for Medicine and Biomedical Research (2012 – present) and the Senior Associate Dean for Research (2006-present) in the UAB School of Medicine. 

 

  

Dr. Candace Floyd, Director of the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, provided a PowerPoint which explained the Vision, Mission, and Goals for TJ's Program.

A powerful message of advocacy and perseverance, Roman Reed, President and CEO of the Roman Reed Foundation, shared his passion and motivations for raising awareness and funding for spinal cord injury research.

TJ, teary eyed and overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and guidance he has received over the last two years, took the microphone and thanked the crowd for attending this special event.

Closing remarks were given by Legislative Sponsor, Senator Marc Keahey, who paused before taking his seat to give a brotherly hug to TJ and Roman.  

 

And then came the special moment of the day, the ribbon-cutting and official launch of the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program.

Bottom from Left: Bonnie Blackwell, Roman Reed, TJ Atchison
Top from Left: Tory Minus, Dr. Candace Floyd, Sen. Marc Keahey, Dr. Amie McLain

Moving Mountains: TJ ATCHISON FOUNDATION

But just an hour prior to this wonderful celebration, another mountain was moved as TJ called the first Steering Committee meeting to order for his foundation, TJ Atchison Foundation. 

From Left: Lara Keahey, Vice Chair; Tory Minus, Secretary;
Bonnie Blackwell, Member At Large; Roman Reed, Treasurer; and TJ Atchison, Chair.

We have many goals for the TJ Atchison Foundation including an expanded vision for spinal cord injury research, incorporating grant opportunities for new researchers, and other initiatives to support our cause of raising awareness and funding for spinal cord injury research.

Dr. Candace Floyd will serve as Chair of the
Scientific Advisory Committee for the TJ Atchison Foundation

With our Steering Committee established and recruitment underway for the Board of Directors, TJ's Foundation is moving at lightning speed to make a huge difference for spinal cord injury research in 2013! We’ve begun to look into holding special events for fundraising in the Birmingham area and abroad and hope to announce plans soon.

Close to TJ’s heart, his hometown of Chatom, AL is still an important part of his life. Currently we’re working to plan a fundraiser in south Alabama, so be on the lookout for more information.

TJ putting the final signature on the Articles of Incorporation for his Foundation.

Our continued presence on social media is of the utmost importance. We want to use these resources as a way to reach a large audience including those in need of support for their novel research ideas. Check out the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program's Facebook Page for updates of the TJ Atchison Core Laboratory and special upcoming events at UAB.

A growing Twitter Account allows us to collaborate with other organizations such as the Roman Reed Foundation specializing in spinal cord injury research advocacy and spreading our message even further!

We’re busy planning and hope to use questions, facts and updates to engage everyone. As always, feel free to send along comments and suggestions to tminus@uab.edu. We love your input and want to include everyone in TJ's Program at UAB and in his newly launched Foundation! Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. ~ Much love, Tory

An Unforgettable Birthday: Meeting Ms. Anonymous

Thirty-Five! Yes today is my special day and I am super excited to be alive and well and smiling through the highs and lows that each day brings!

My birthday has been fun and special in many ways ~ from morning coffee with a dear friend, to tossing around ideas for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and ending with a delicious strawberry cake made by my sweet children.

 

 

 

These are the precious moments that I cherish and hope to remember for many years to come.

I also had the privilege of meeting an amazing woman today who is known as "Ms. Anonymous" here at Head in the Clouds.

On August 15th, "Ms. Anonymous" left a heartfelt comment on my blogpost "We're Moving!" 

She wrote: "I am so glad that one of my Facebook friends sent me the information about your blog!!! Birmingham, will be happy to have you, and I, would love love love, to meet you. I am a 46 year old, wife and mother. I am also a paraplegic of 29 years, due to an automobile accident in 1983!! Please, if you can fit me in to your schedule, I would love to meet you and chat. I can be reached at xxx-xxxx. I live in Warrior, which is about 15 miles north of Birmingham. Good luck with this new adventure!"

Since receiving her comment in August, I dialed her phone number at least a dozen times but was unsuccessful each time. But on Tuesday, I tried again, and was thrilled to hear a voice on the other end! 

So without further adieu, please let me introduce you to the incredible Melissa Bayles~Fendley, also known as "Ms. Anonymous!"

Melissa is no stranger to UAB or to the Spain Rehabilitation Center. From 1994 - 1998, she served as the spokesperson for the "Think First" Program at UAB and even represented our great state as Ms. Wheelchair Alabama.  To learn more about Melissa please click here. 

For nearly two hours we discussed our hopes, dreams, and visions for what the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program can do to help our friends and loved ones living with SCI / Paralysis in Alabama and across the country. "Researchers have made incredible strides since my accident 29-years-ago," Melissa said. "I am excited to see what will come from Dr. Floyd and her research lab at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation!"
 

 



As I blow out my bazillion candles tonight ('-'), my wish is that of paralysis cure for TJ, Roman, Bonnie, Katy, Katie, Melissa and for the millions of others who make this same wish each and every day!  

Goodnight, everyone! I hope you all have a great rest of the week, and thanks again Melissa for making this birthday truly unforgettable!  Much love, Tory

Ceremonial Bill Signing for the TJ Atchison SCI Research Program

From left: Senator Keahey, TJ, and Governor Bentley

Yesterday Governor Bentley officially signed TJ's bill which approved funding for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. Sponsored by Senator Marc Keahey (D-Grove Hill), this initiative was passed by the Alabama State Legislature on May 16th which allocated $400,000 in research funding to the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine.

Details of the bill and the work that we did to accomplish this goal are available here.

A recap of the ceremony

Representative Elaine Beech from Washington County, friends, family, supporters of TJ, along with Dr. Candace Floyd and other UAB staff  had the opportunity to meet with Governor Bentley and the legislative bill author, Senator Marc Keahey, for a ceremonial bill signing at the Capitol. Those of us who were lucky enough to attend the ceremony were pleased to share this special day with TJ and his family.

Governor Bentley having a private chat with TJ 

We knew that Governor Bentley was extremely busy and had many things on his agenda (such as visiting families of south Alabama who were impacted by storm, Isaac, earlier in the week), and so we expected that the ceremony would be quick. However, when the Governor came to meet us in the beautiful Old Office Chamber Room of the Capitol, he took the time to speak with TJ about his goals for being a patient advocate, then asked if we had any questions for him.

My daughter Catie, Governor Bentley, and TJ's sister Alyssa

Governor Bentley was such a gracious host. He held the hands of our little ones and encouraged them to be great students, friends, and to work hard in their schools and communities.

From left: Senator Keahey, Tucker McDonald, Anita & Carey McDonald, Governor Bentley, Representative Elaine Beech; Bottom: Alyssa and TJ

When there were no more picture requests or questions left to ask, the Governor seated himself at a desk in the center of the room and we gathered around him for the bill signing ceremony. After we had our group photo taken, the Governor handed out pens with his name on them to TJ and the children gathered around his chair.

In all, Governor Bentley spent about 25 minutes with our group. It was obvious that he enjoyed chatting with us and with TJ, as his staff finally had to inform him that it was time for the visit to end. Indeed, we were honored by the whole experience!

After tons of persistence and determination, TJ and I were thrilled to say, "WE DID IT!" 

Celebratory luncheon

Program Administrator for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program,
Dr. Candace Floyd (standing), welcomed our group to the special luncheon held at
Central Restaurant in Montgomery.
 

Of course our hearts were filled with such joy and happiness for what had been triumphantly accomplished, but our group sorely missed the company of our dear friend and ally Roman Reed .

November 11, 2011, the beginning of "TJ's Law"
 From left: Me, Bonnie Blackwell, Roman Reed, and TJ

Because of Roman's commitment to pass AB 1657 ( This bill will raise funds to sustain the Roman Reed SCI Research Fund at UC Irvine’s Reeve-Irvine Center) in his home state of California, Roman was unable to make the trip to Bama for Governor Bentley's bill signing.

TJ's program at UAB would never have been possible had it not been for Roman's instrumental roll in the formation and passing of Senator Keahey's legislation. So on behalf of our TEAM, I would like to say thank you to Roman for everything he has done to encourage and help TJ in his mission for paralysis cure.

"From Alabama to California, TJ and I fight together so that one day soon, all who suffer from a spinal cord injury / paralysis can stand with you!" ~ Roman Reed

Please stay tuned to Head in the Clouds as more pictures from this special day will be posted soon. Take care and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Much love, Tory

We're Moving!

For those of you who know how close we are to our family in Millry, this title certainly caught your eye, right? :)



My little munchkins: Courtney (inside the box), Catie, Conner, and Carlie holding her doll Rocky

As I finish packing our things for the move to Birmingham this week, I am CRAZY busy scheduling last minute playdates for my children and wrapping up my job responsibilities at CWEMC.  There has been so much activity in our lives these past few weeks, that I've not had much time to really let this move sink in, until this evening. 

The children and I started praying about relocating after "TJ's Law" passed in May, and the recruiting process began for me to help build this special program - one which is VERY dear to my heart and will benefit thousands who live with or care for a loved one who suffer from a spinal cord injury.  I am passionate about helping the paralysis community, and I feel it is such an honor and privilege to be involved with this incredible program. 

It is definitely hard leaving those we love and all that is familiar to us in Washington County, especially with most of our family here, a job that I have loved since day one, a beautiful home on my father's property, and a church family and school we adore. 

But God has a bigger plan for us!  And after countless back porch conversations with my mom and sister, I feel a tremendous sense of peace about this huge leap of faith.  The children are beyond excited, which is a total confirmation from above that this is best for my family.

I can't wait to unpack more of the story with you in the months ahead, but for today, I just wanted you to know our BIG news.  Cheers to the future of paralysis cure, moving trucks, boxes & all!