Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder. A stroke or other traumatic brain injury can cause it. For Jake Haendel, the cause was Toxic Progressive Stage 4 Leuko-encephalopathy. We discussed Jake’s drug addiction in an earlier article. Basically, Jake’s brain was damaged by smoking drugs off aluminum foil. The foil produces a toxin that kills off parts of the brain. Today, Jake is celebrating a new milestone. He gets exuberant and utters an NSFW word at the end of this video, so be prepared for that, please.
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Jake suffered from locked-in syndrome for ten months. His body could not move, but his mind was active. He could not move, eat, or breathe on his own. He was trapped inside the prison of his own body. It was like being in solitary confinement with no way to communicate. After months of this isolation, Jake said he had mentally decided to get better. It was a long road back, with intensive physical therapy.
Jake had to relearn everything from basic motor movements to speaking. In May 2023, after many years of hard work, Jake had made significant progress and could begin to enjoy life again. This time around, he is doing it without drugs and avoiding the mistakes that caused his locked-in syndrome. Jake is a rarity. Most people never recover beyond simple communication using eye blinks. He is a walking, talking example of pure determination and hard work.
He also gave himself a mission to help others with disabilities by creating a navigation app.
Life After Locked-in Syndrome
Jake is the only person to survive Acute Toxic Progressive Leuko-encephalopathy. He went from a prognosis of six months to live to being able to function almost normally. The brain injury has left some lingering problems. Once he began moving around, Jake noticed a lack of disability access and challenges, and he is working to help.
With a team of people, Jake has been instrumental in launching a mobility app for persons with disabilities. Ahoi! is an innovative crowdsourcing app that helps people navigate their neighborhoods. Users can supply reviews of businesses, note permanent or temporary obstacles, and point out alternate, ADA-friendly entrances for buildings. The app will help people on scooters, in wheelchairs, with walkers, or any mobility devices.
The app generates specific information based on each user’s profile, disability, and needs. Jake’s motivation is to give disabled people the necessary information to get around without fear of the unknown. Knowing accessibility options helps people plan routes, schedule appointments, run routine errands, and increase overall independence.
You can follow Jake’s continuing journey on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Linked In. The Ahoi! app is available in the App Store and the Google Play store. You can also join the Ahoi! mailing list for updates on this incredible navigation app.
Jake did exactly what he said he was going to do. He is working toward increasing independence for all persons with disabilities. Please share this. We all know someone who needs to see it.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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