My Chanda Journey

In 2015 Jake was sitting on a balcony handrail, lost his balance and fell 25 feet landing on his head. He shattered five of his vertebrae. He was initially taken to Boulder Community Hospital and then was moved to Craig Hospital for continued rehabilitation. He moved from the Boulder area to Englewood to be closer to Craig Hospital and the services he now needs.

Craig Hospital and the Chanda Plan Foundation helped Jake with the process of enrolling on the Spinal Cord Injury waiver through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program). As a Health First Colorado member, being on the SCI waiver allows Jake to have access to acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy services.

As a part of the waiver, Jake now has weekly acupuncture and massage therapy appointments at the Chanda Center for Health.

“Acupuncture has been very helpful for me, personally,” said Jake. “Because of acupuncture I’ve been able to get off all of my pharmaceutical pain medications. That was my goal and I am really glad I’ve been able to make it a reality. The acupuncture and massage therapy have also helped with my spasms and pain and have given me the strength and energy I need to push myself harder in my rehab. Because of this I’ve been able to gain some movement and function back.” Jake is also currently looking into future job opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

“The Chanda Center for Health has accessible therapy rooms, making it easy for me to get in and out. My acupuncturist and massage therapist also know exactly how to work with people with disabilities and spinal cord injuries,” said Jake. “I am thankful to be a part of the wavier program and I want other people in my position to know about and have access to the benefits of these services.”