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Adventures of ‘Michael’s Angels’

Monday, August 11th, 2008

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Adventures of ‘Michael’s Angels’

by Catherine Lutz, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

Sunday, August 10, 2008

http://www.aspendailynews.com/

They half-jokingly call themselves “Michael’s Angels” — after Michael Fox, co-owner of the Aspen Club, who has opened the Club’s doors to  help Amanda Boxtel, Kasie Burtard and Leah Potts in their fundraising efforts.

It’s an apt comparison to TV’s famous female trio. The local women are  every bit as tough as they are feminine, full of spunk and passion. But  instead of battling bad guys with guns, they’re fighting their way out of the wheelchairs and walking aids that have limited their movements for a combined 30-plus years, with human embryonic stem cells.

And it seems to be working.

The women’s challenges, however, are today almost more financial than  physical. All three have experienced marked physical improvements since  starting embryonic stem cell treatment at Dr. Geeta Shroff’s clinic in India. But with multiple trips costing tens of thousands of dollars  each (not to mention time off work and zero insurance coverage), fundraising has become as much of a key focus as everything else Boxtel, Burtard and Potts are doing to be able to walk again.

“This treatment is not available anywhere else in the world, and I see it as being injected with the divine gift of life,” said Boxtel, trying to summarize the complex process.

This Tuesday, the Aspen Club is once again hosting an evening of  awareness for “Michael’s Angels.” From 5-8 p.m., everyone is invited for live music, free food and drinks, and the opportunity to find out more about their unique experiences. There’s no ticket price but donations are of course encouraged and appreciated.

Progress

Most valley residents are by now familiar with the story of Boxtel,  co-founder of local nonprofit Challenge Aspen, who has been confined to a wheelchair since a skiing accident rendered her a paraplegic more than 16 years ago.

Last year, Boxtel became the first American woman to ever receive human embryonic stem cell treatment, and her experience — told on her Web site, via an e-mail blog and in a forthcoming book — has drawn intense curiosity and numerous inquiries from others with similar injuries.

Two of those people are Burtard and Potts, who followed Boxtel’s blog and  were taken under her wing as she explained and encouraged Dr. Shroff’s  pioneering work. An end-of-the-year fundraiser at the Aspen Club last  December raised $33,000 for each of the three women to either begin or  continue human embryonic stem cell treatment in India.

“Knowing Amanda did it and had huge success really helped,” Burtard  said at the time. “I’m so blessed that Amanda is in our valley and  introduced it, because otherwise it probably would be five more years  before I could convince my family to let me try it.”

Illegal in the United States, human embryonic stem cell treatment was  pioneered by Dr. Shroff, who developed a single embryo in a lab from which she created multiple stem cell lines. The treatment has been used  on a number of disorders, including terminal ones, and in the last two years 72 patients with complete spinal cord injuries have seen an average 63 percent improvement, said Boxtel. That level of improvement, she said, is astounding because most of these people were given no hope of even 1 percent improvement in their lifetimes.

In her own blog, Boxtel says her body has changed “miraculously” since  her first stem cell injection in June 2007. She writes of wiggling  toes, feeling her leg muscles and wearing a dress for the first time in 16 years while “standing proud” in leg braces.

“My legs are continuing to get stronger and my body is coming alive,” she wrote on July 24, and earlier this week she proudly showed off her ankles, which used to be in a permanent state of swollenness.

Boxtel, who lives in Basalt and is a professional speaker and coach, has made three trips to India so far for embryonic stem cell treatment, part of a three-year plan that involves going back every four to five months for one month at a time. The fourth trip is booked and planned for Oct. 23-Nov. 26   — though she still needs to raise money for the $15,000 stay — and her budget for next year, she figures, is $78,000 for three treatments.

Asked whether she feels the money is being properly spent, Boxtel answers, “I can’t put a dollar amount on my ability to pee again.”

Boxtel has made it her mission to tout the treatment she so fervently believes is “life giving life.” She points to Burtard, who after her initial session in India can stand without leg braces by locking her knees.

Burtard, 26, is the youngest of the three women. A valley native and 2000 graduate of Roaring Fork High School, Burtard was in a serious car accident in 2002 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Burtard is no stranger to traveling for treatment — for two years she traveled to Texas almost every other month for physical therapy — but India was a whole new ball game.

Comparing notes on treatments, Burtard said she hardly felt anything from a procedure that caused some pain in Boxtel and Potts. She giggles about her ability to eat fast food while the others expressed concern about their diets in India (especially since healthy food is a component of getting better). And she seems to be taking in stride her life being turned upside down again — while in India her landlord sold her apartment and she was homeless for one-and-a-half months.

But Burtard was the first to agree that such a drawn out course of treatment can try a person’s patience. Embryonic stem cells, like babies, take time to gestate, and while as many as half will die off, the others need time (about five years, it is believed) to fully integrate themselves into the body and cause the desired changes.

“When I was in India I wasn’t impatient, just frustrated that it wasn’t getting any better,” she said. “But I know it’s not going to get any better unless I try really hard.”

Burtard, who now lives in Silt and works as a nanny, is planning to go back to India in September.

Potts, who came back from her first three-month treatment just three weeks ago, joked that “by the end of it I felt half-Indian,” because of the sheer amount of time spent there and the fact that the 100 million stem cells a day she received as part of the treatment all come from one Indian embryo.

Potts, like Boxtel, was injured in a ski accident, but is a recovering quadriplegic who could walk with the aid of a cane — even before starting stem cell treatment she has defied her doctors’ expectations. But her body, which was changed so dramatically nearly 10 years ago, is coming back, she writes in her blog. Her posture is straighter; her balance is better; limbs and muscles are functioning more as they should; she has fewer spasms throughout her body; and she is completely off her pain medicine.

“I thought I would (see improvements), but it’s still hard to believe,” said Potts, who uses a recumbent bicycle to get around and exercise her legs at the same time. “It seems too good to be true, but it’s true not without dedication and sweat and tears.”

Potts, 32, lives in Aspen and works as a spinning instructor at the Aspen Athletic Club. (Known to many as Leah Rowland — Potts is changing her name because she’s getting divorced.) She is hoping to go back to India Oct. 27, depending on how fundraising efforts go.

On Wednesday, Boxtel, Burtard and Potts appeared on Jeannie Walla’s Channel 19 TV show, “Showcase Aspen,” and they retell their updated stories time and time again to friends and even strangers wherever they go. As far as being home versus being in India, there they were able to focus solely on themselves and their improbable journey. Here, they lead lives like most of us: having to work, cook, clean and walk their dogs — on top of raising more money and focus on an intensive six-day-a-week program of physical therapy, yoga, massage, standing in leg braces, and keeping on a healthy, nutritious diet. They’re gushingly grateful for the family, friends and therapists who help, often without compensation — and in particular for the caregivers who sacrifice so much to travel with them to India as required by the clinic.

And there’s a lot of crying and frustration, they say. But, as Potts puts it, “I choose to make this my lifestyle. This is what I do.”

For more information: www.amandaboxtel.com [1], www.leahpotts.com [2], www.helpkasieburtard.wetpaint.com [3]

lutz@aspendailynews.com

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Amanda Boxtel update

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

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Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you.  All things pass. 

God does not change.  Patience achieves everything.

–Mother Teresa

I am keeping strong, holding my vision, continuing with my yoga practice, meditation, and physical therapy…and practicing walking in my leg braces.  Sometimes it’s really tough, I sweat, cry, and I wonder about the future…but I push on regardless keeping my faith and hope.  I am not afraid.  I am living my dream.  My legs are continuing to get stronger and my body is coming alive.

Thank you to those who offered housing for my Korean healers.  Long-time Challenge Aspen supporters Rusty and Nona Jones have graciously donated their two-bedroom condo in Snowmass Village for the week of August 10-17.  It will be an intense and exciting week of energy work and oriental healing—eight hours per day for seven days straight.  I will continue to create the divine foundation for my embryonic stem cells to gestate in my body and restore function to my limbs.  Thank you to my “anonymous” friends who have helped fund Dr. Choe and Dr. Jung’s visit.  I am so very grateful.  

I am leaving no stone unturned.

Sending so much love, gratitude, and healing light,

Amanda (and Tucker too J) xoxo

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Hope, Faith, and Conviction

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

As I venture forth as one of the pioneer patients receiving human embryonic stem cell therapy I realize more and more that Dr. Geeta Shroff  is at the eye of a global controversial storm and I am at the dawn of an age of discovery that will forever change the world. 

Since landing on American soil two months ago, I have found myself spiraling into a whirlpool of emotion.  While sometimes spinning out of control, those intense emotions collided with an influx of stem cell information causing deep anxiety on all levels.  As scientists and researchers speak of worldwide collaboration in stem cell research, I have witnessed outright ridicule for those blasted as radicals experimenting with new therapies in other countries.  Egos abound and I am more perplexed.  I am left feeling disheartened and surprised by negative responses to what scientists deem people like me to be desperate patients in search of stem cell tourism and miraculous unsafe trea tments abroad.  This world is cutthroat.  I have come to understand that objective or factual science is inherently influenced by varying degrees of subjectivity or individualized opinions.  Respected authorities seem to have adopted a dogmatic system of beliefs and will accept nothing but hard core scientific evidence, frowning upon those who have the courage and audacity to step out of the box and make quantum breakthroughs with clinical trials.. 

To quote Dr. Laurance Johnston, whom I hold in high esteem…“the scientific process is imbued at all levels – from the economic to the most basic observation – with subjectivity.  The more we ignore this fundamental truth and maintain an unswerving allegiance to putatively objective, but in reality systemically subjective, scientific process, the less effective we ultimately will be in developing real-world therapies for many disorders.”  (See Dr. Johnston’s article, Objective Science:  An Inherent Oxymoron — http://www.healingtherapies.info/Objective%20Science.htm.

My story isn’t enough.  The fact that I am living proof that Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy works doesn’t cut it in the scientific world.  I am learning that the scientific world seemingly won’t accept anecdotal patient testimonials as credible evidence for innovative technologies.  I can’t help but wonder what other revolutionary treatments are being rejected by scientific experts based on their subjective and somewhat limited visions of the world.  The naysayers seem to outweigh the optimists. 

A few weeks ago I attended The Stem Cell Summit, a global conference in Boston.  I discovered an elaborate jumble of ego and tension from professionals and curious neophytes like me from around the world—the religious pro-lifers who are against the whole concept of human embryonic stem cell therapy; those looking for cures squabbling amongst themselves; and those who were quick to demean experimental treatments abroad.  I left this conference still wanting to be an advocate and legitimate voice for stem cell research in the United States, yet I can’t help but feel disillusioned by the insurmountable challenges that will need to be hurdled to see change take place.  The economical factors alone are daunting.  The average cost for a drug to be developed in the United States from crazy idea to having it available for sale is approximately 1.2 billion dollars.  With my lay person’s understanding, the FDA has extreme pressure imposed on them and have consequently gone into a very conservative mode.  Venture capitalists and Biotech companies want to back innovative ideas but only with projects that are supported by scientific data that is disclosed and not just clinical trials.  My guess is if human embryonic stem cell research and treatment is ever approved and made legal in this country, it will be decades before it is offered for clinical trials, let alone available on the market.

Dr. Geeta Shroff has filed for a patent with the US Patent Office for her technology on human embryonic stem cell therapy.  When her technology is made public, she will have more than 400 clinical trials conducted over five years to support her case.  I congratulate her for having the courage to take such a quantum leap for humanity…and maybe I will be one of her many patients standing on my own two feet, applauding in celebration of restored life and hope.

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy is a mission of hope and will change the world.  I will continue to speak from my own experience witnessing my body awakening and coming to life after 15 ½ years of lifelessness and nothingness.  What I know for sure is that patient testimonials count!   The world can learn from those of us who are bold enough to take risks while keeping the faith and standing tall when the world is ostensibly against the odds.  I will aspire toward spreading a message of hope in the face of challenge.  It is our collective responsibility to be the manifestation of hope.  We must do what we can to demonstrate positive change in our world.  No vision is too big. 

 

Keeping Strong

Last week I fronted up to Craig Hospital in Denver to undergo rigorous sensory motor tests and URO-dynamics to test the strength of my bladder.  Have you ever tried peeing lying down on your back with your legs up in stirrups?  Let me tell you, it’s no easy feat as gravity isn’t on your side.  As I lay on my back with my legs spread open to four curious onlookers, a catheter was inserted into my urethra and my bladder was filled with 400 ccs of saline.  With one pant leg on and one off, my legs were suspended high above my abdomen and I was given the command to pee.

“Okay Amanda, push.”

This was my time to prove myself.  With a deep inhalation and one massive contraction of my pelvic muscles a steady stream of fluid spilled into the aluminum tray beneath my bum.  I did it!  The moment was mine.  I felt my face going red and my armpits beginning to sweat. 

“Good job Amanda.  Impressive!  Now stop and we’ll use your electronic stimulator to measure the difference in strength.”

I finished emptying using my Vocare Bladder electronic stimulator device and to Dr. Ruhl’s surprise, my ability to push on my own was stronger than with the device.  Yippee.  What this means is that my bladder strength and ability to void on my own is improving.  Keep in mind, as a complete ASIA A T11-12 spinal cord injured patient, I haven’t been able to pee on my own for more than fifteen years.

I have been able to maintain the strength in my bladder and my ability to void almost completely on my own since returning from India.  My bladder muscles weaken as the day progresses.  The ease with emptying depends on how hydrated I am and the fullness of my bladder.  I have also had regular bowel movements on my own for two months since my return to the United States.  While I am not able to empty my bowels fully, the strength and regularity is improving.

My sensory motor testing with Kelly Root in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Department was challenging.  This type of testing focuses on isolating muscles and recording the strength on a scale from 0-5.  My abdominal muscles scored fives and are incredibly strong, while my hip flexors, hamstrings, gluteals, and quadriceps recorded a trace to a grading of two plus.  In life, it is easier to use muscles in combination rather in isolation so although this test was tough, I showed improvement.  The sensory tests only record light touch sensations and pin prick sensations below my level of injury, which hasn’t changed much with the exception of slight improvement on my right lower abd omen.  What these tests don’t record are deeper sensations and pressure when pressing intensely on a body part.  Deep pressure sensation is a noticeable change in my lower body.

I will now have a baseline to draw from for the future.  Although I was nervous to undergo testing, it was necessary and will make my progress all the more credible to the outside world.

In the afternoon I tested the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) RT300-S bike (www.restorative-therapies.com or 1-800-609-9166).  From my wheelchair, I pulled up both pant legs and stuck patches of electrodes to my quadricep, hamsting, and gluteal muscles on each leg.  The RT300-S bike enabled me to participate in both passive and active therapy creating patterned movement in my legs.  When the electrodes fired up my muscles, my legs cycled completing movements on their own.  I could feel my heart rate accelerate the longer I cycled, so it was an aerobic workout too.  How fantastic!  This new technology will enable me to take charge of my rehabilitation by ceommitting myself to one hour session, three times a week. 

Each RT300-S bike is $15,000 and is rarely covered by insurance…so my fund raising efforts continue.  Now is the time to prime my body by increasing muscle strength and blood circulation for future stem cell treatments.  I want to give my legs the best opportunity to come back to life.  It will be my next goal to provide Dr. Geeta Shroff with this information so that she might consider providing the RT300-S bike in her hospital physical therapy department for patient use.

My Weekly Routine

The parallel bars have arrived after almost two months of waiting patiently for their delivery.  Consequently, my daily therapy is becoming more time consuming. 

This week Mum generously wired some money into my account to help cover physical therapy costs—yeah Mum!  Thank you.  I have an amazing physical therapist who has willingly donated three days a week thus far.  Tami Cassetty is an angel sent from heaven.  She claims PT stands for Pain and Torture, yet I look forward to her P&T.  After the weekend I am chomping at the bit to have a good workout with Tami.  Dale has been really tolerant with my new toys that are taking up a huge amount of square footage in our little condo on the river.  The dining room table has been scooched over toward the window opening up chunk of floor space.  My parallel bars are ten feet long by three feet wide.  CP has allowed me to use her massage table, which remains upright, and a blue Swiss therapy ball rolls around randomly on the wooden floor. 

Every Wednesday I am blessed to work with Emily Hightower, which is a total love-fest.  Emily brings my spirit alive and allows me to be me.  Tears well in my eyes for no particular reason and my mascara runs.  I adore Emily—she is real, she is present, and she knows her stuff.  We have a great role model to learn from named Oz—Em’s 11 month old baby boy.  My yoga session is mimicked on Oz learning to crawl and walk and the motions he discovered to strengthen his core, while working his legs and balancing on his own.  How perfect, to be learning from a little baby boy. 

Emily finishes our session with a beautiful meditation that grounds my soul and centers my being for the remainder of the day.  Yesterday she guided me through a touch and sensation meditation, feeling each finger with my thumbs and then transferring that feeling into my toes and feet.  I could feel deep sensations as Emily pressed on the balls of my feet, pulsing back and forth.  I had a true connectedness to my feet with my mind…and then I cried happy tears of wonder again.  Emily is a gift from Harold Grinspoon, who also funds CP to massage me in total decadence once a week on Saturdays.  I am so grateful to have an amazing community who continues to love and support me in my home and from afar.

Fund Raising:  Partnering for the Greater Good of Humanity

Depending on my progress after each treatment, I envision returning to India for ongoing stem cell therapy 4-6 times in the next two years, which translates to approximately another $100,000 that I will need to raise in total.  I am currently raising money for my next visit in January and then again in May, 2008.  Each treatment will require a month’s stay in Delhi at the cost of $15,000 plus airfares and other living expenses.  I have embarked on a venture that is not cheap, yet in the grand scheme of my life time and the possibility that I will regain more strength in my legs, I cannot put a dollar on this value.  I feel like the most grateful woman alive.

While I struggle with asking people for money, I recognize that it is also an opportunity for others to give for the greater good of humanity.  The world will watch my body awaken and I shall spread a message of hope for those who no longer have reason to give up. 

I would like to thank all of the individuals who have made contributions so far.  It is due to your loving kindness and belief in me that I have been able to pursue this remarkable journey of Awakening!  Thank you for your support and care.

An account has been set up at Alpine Bank for individuals to make direct deposits:

 

Alpine Bank

PO Box 349

Basalt, CO 81621

Tel:  (970) 927-3101

Alpine Bank Routing Number:  102103407

Account Number:  5050053392

Please make checks payable to:  Amanda Boxtel or Stem Cell Therapy in India

 

 

Checks may also be sent to my personal post office box:

Amanda Boxtel

PO Box 3767

Basalt, CO 81621

USA

 

Michael Fox, CEO of the Aspen Club and Spa is hosting a fund raising event for me and three other individuals who have their sights set on traveling to India for stem cell treatment in 2008.  The event will be combined with the Aspen Club’s 10th Anniversary Re-Grand Opening Party.  Thank you Michael for your continued loving support.

SAVE THE DATE

“PURSUING POSSIBILITIES”

A Fund Raiser in Support of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Treatment

DECEMBER 18, 2007

4:30 p.m. until Close (10 p.m.)

The Aspen Club & Spa

 “10 years ago Challenge Aspen was the beneficiary of our grand opening night and at that time Amanda Boxtel was a co-director. This year we are proud to announce we will be supporting individuals in the community who are undergoing Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy at our December 18th Re-Opening Celebration Party. Amanda Boxtel, who recently returned from India with incredible results, will be one of the individuals going back to India in January. Ed Allen who has Parkinson’s Disease along with Allen Orcutt, will accompany Amanda in January.  Leah Roland, an incomplete quadriplegic, will be going for the 1st time in the spring.

So save the date and plan on attending our Re-Grand Opening Party.  We will have food, drinks, music and a special guest of honor.”

Casey McConnell, Marketing Director 

Click on the link below to watch a video of Michael Fox, CEO Aspen Club and Spa, talking about this event.

http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=9xi,uw1a,26tn,1h7s,5b7d,5r2i,33i

 

Click on the link below to watch a video of Amanda Boxtel.

http://www.uptilt.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=9xi,uw1a,26tn,3ujx,mg36,5r2i,33i 

River of Life—A Meditation

I gaze at the street lamps amber reflection on the water below.  The dark arch of the bridge looks ominous as the light beams down through mottled shadows.  It is nine o’clock at night and the river is my constant—a sinuous dance of curving and twisting patterns in motion—always flowing with a life force that never ceases, connecting distant mountain streams to an ocean thousands of miles away.  That same ocean connects me to my mother and family in Australia.

I liken the river outside my condo to my spinal cord—my river of life, fully healed, and connecting every nerve bringing light, love and energy to my entire body.  I remember back to a meditation I wrote and recorded on a cassette tape when I was first injured.  It is the exact meditation I use to this day as the embryonic stem cell gestate in my body.

My Healing Meditation in a Three Dimensional Crystal Triangle

Relax, quieting all vibrations within myself.  Take three slow, deep breaths, inhale all that is good and exhale all physical, emotional and mental tensions. 

I align myself to all life and creation; to all vibrations of the universe, with love in my heart. 

I align myself by forming a central shaft of light and love down through my being.  At the center of this sacred place I draw a molecule of energy.

With my mind, I use this molecule of light and love, to create a three dimensional crystal of pure mineral substance around me.  On the apex of the three dimensional crystal triangle I visualize pure white healing light.

As I sit in the center of this crystal, I visualize the rays of white light pouring down on me from the apex, cleansing my outer bodies—the mental body, the emotional body and now the physical body.  I visualize the light and love of the rays penetrating and filling each cell and atom of every part of my body.

I clean my brain, my heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, bladder, bowel, and all my muscles and tendons.  My spinal cord and nerves need to be cleansed and soothed.

Picture the spinal cord:  A pliable column of pink nervous tissue extending from the base of the brain to the second lumbar vertebra.  It is the length of a 40 cm ruler and the width of a thin finger.  Picture the three membranes surrounding the spinal cord.  They are bathed in a white healing light.  Beneath the white is a soft yellow-green light, healing and soothing the damaged areas like a cool coating of balm.  It makes a shshshsshshsh noise.  Shshshshssh…aaaaaaaaah… Soft and soothing.  Beneath the gre en is a soft blue—a calm and peaceful powder blue.  The pliable cord is beginning to respond to this soothing, loving, and peaceful energy.

Suddenly I see streams of orange-red and indigo-purple waves of light and energy streaming down the cord from the base of the brain.  These colorful waves of light become a forceful flowing river of water and the colors become brighter and whiter.  Huge boulders are being swept away and they dissolve.  The water and light is so powerful and intense, swiftly flowing into little nerve tributaries or pathways through the hips, bladder, bowel…down through the adducter muscles—projecting just that little bit further—pushing and making its own pathway.  Energy is flowing freely.  Picture the water and light combined…flowing towards the knees and hamstrings.  They are being activated.  Water and light are healing—they make things grow.

Picture the nerve cells or neurons becoming electric with the water and light.  They activate the many branching fibers called dendrites, which are now glowing with energy.  These nervous impulses picked up by the dendrites leave the nerve cells.  The water and light energy flows electrochemically, jumping from axon to axon…from one neuron to another.

These living nerve cells full of water and light energy are now full of oxygen too.  They are pulsating rapidly beyond the hamstrings and into the calf muscles…into the Achilles, into the heels of the feet, through the arch to the balls of the feet, and into the toes…to the toe-nails and the very tips of the toes.  Lots of little electrical currents flowing freely surrounded by white healing and loving light.

The spine, spinal cord and nerves are now clean, pure and alive.

I now visualize the seven main energy centers, the chakras, or cosmic lungs of my etheric body.  My crown chakra, my third eye, my throat, my heart, my solar plexus below the ribs, my spleen, and my base chakra. 

I draw God’s radiation of love and light down through my crown chakra, down my spine, to my base chakra; through its stem and out into its petals.  I visualize the light rotating in a clockwise direction, releasing all impurities back up through the apex of the crystal triangle.  I feel uplifted.  (I repeat this cleansing for each of my chakras individually.)

When I have cleansed and activated all chakras, I visualize them all rotating in rhythm and in one straight line.  I fill my whole being with this radiation of love and light and ask my soul to draw nearer to my cleansed form in harmony, peace, attunement and protection. 

I send this radiation of love, peace and harmony that I have created within myself while in the crystal triangle, out into the universe.  I embrace my loved ones, my dog, my friends, all humanity, and all creation with this love and light.

I am One with the universe and I am part of all that is around me.  All that I come into contact with, all vibrations, are synthesized and harmonized as they pass through the sides of the crystal and contact my forms.  The crystal protects me form all negativity because all that passes in through the sides of the three dimensional walls, is automatically harmonized and uplifted with light and love.  I move through all places bringing the light of God’s illumination.  I move as a channel of this love and light according to the will of God and the laws of nature.

I am a river of life.
Amanda Boxtel

“Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy has restored life into my limbs and “hope” back into my vocabulary!”

PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER
PO Box 3767
Basalt, CO 81621
Tel: 970-927-3630
Email: ABoxtel@comcast.net
Email: amanda@amandaboxtel.com
www.AmandaBoxtel.com
Blog: www.amandaboxtel.wordpress.com

“It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you embrace the changes that take place and who you become!”

INSPIRATION~OVERCOMING ADVERSITY~EMBRACING CHANGE

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Ouch, Ski Conditioning!

Monday, October 15th, 2007

skiconditioningclass.jpgI made it out to my 1st ski conditioning class today. It was awesome, full class, lots of energy, great music and the best instructors. But I am going to be hurting in the morning. sc-class-500.jpg

This was a full on hour and half of non stop moving and grooving. And Yes I mean grooving, we ended doing the mambo. It was pretty cool to see everyone shaking their hips after an hour of non stop cardio. Club Chelsea has nothing on us. mambo.jpg

After 17 years of teaching here at the club Amy Knight is on top of her game. And don’t think you’ll get away with slacking off either because she is watching every move you make. So come ready to sweat and work your butt off. But it’s all worth it in 39 days when you take your first run of the season. skiconditioning-poster1500w1.jpg

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Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Training Tips, Health and Fitness, amy knight, aspen, cardio, club chelsea, conditioning, hips, mambo, ski, sweat | No Comments »

Ten Top Health Benefits of Exercise

Monday, October 8th, 2007
g Nutrition Site
Moss Greene
BellaOnline’s Nutrition Editor

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The health benefits of exercise are extraordinary. And an old-fashioned daily walk is enough.

Regular physical activity improves your mood and helps you to live a longer, happier, healthier life, free from the suffering of degenerative disease and pain.

No matter how well you eat, without exercise, you can’t be truly healthy. Food doesn’t become nutrition until it’s assimilated into your cells. And exercise is an important part of that process. Plus, the health benefits of exercise, such as walking, come cheap and easy.

Health Benefits of Exercise:

  1. Lowers blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Exercise also increases HDL (”good” cholesterol), while decreasing LDL (”bad” cholesterol), and keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
  2. Decreases your risk of both heart disease and stroke – the #1 and #3 killers. This includes lowering your chances of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), having a heart attack, stoke, second heart attack or dying from CHD or stroke.
  3. Helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. You not only burn calories during exercise, but it can speed up your metabolism for as long as 12 hours or more. Regular exercise helps you lose weight more easily and keep it off permanently.
  4. Lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise reduces your chance of getting diabetes, the severity of the disease and long-term risk of complications by improving blood sugar metabolism, insulin sensitivity and body weight.
  5. Decreases stress and increase happiness. Physical activity boosts the release of endorphins – the “happy hormones” that help you to feel good. In the process it lessens depression, anxiety, sleep problems and feelings of being “stressed out.”
  6. Reduces your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Regular exercise has been shown to help protect against the development of colon cancer, by 30–50%, and other cancers, such as breast, prostate, uterus and lung cancer.
  7. Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. Strength training and other forms of exercise improve your bone density and endurance. This helps slow down the aging process and lowers your chance of developing osteoporosis.
  8. Increases utilization of nutrition. While stress interferes with digestion, physical activity improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. It also promotes healthy elimination of toxins through sweat glands and prevention of constipation.
  9. Strengthens organs, especially lungs and heart. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you breathe easier and have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
  10. Can be fun and entertaining. Exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery. Choose activities that you enjoy or can learn to like. Just get physical – if you’re moving, it counts.


All the above health benefits of exercise are yours for as little as thirty minutes input a day. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme – just find your goove and move.

Remember, “It’s easier to maintain your health than it is to regain it!”

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Leah Roland

Thursday, October 4th, 2007

leah-roland.jpgLeah Roland, 31, of Aspen, Colorado is a recovering incomplete quadriplegic. Quadripelegia refers to the paralysis of all four limbs — both arms and both legs, as from a high spinal cord accident. Incomplete refers to Leah’s success in defying complete paralysis, as she has regained some use of her limbs. Prior to moving to Colorado to pursue her love of the mountains and an active outdoor lifestyle and a career in graphic design, Leah grew up in the Midwest.

bed-1.jpgOn February 13, 1999 Leah’s life changed forever. While skiing at Eldora Mountain outside of Boulder, Colorado, Leah was taking her second warm-up run of the day when she ran into a tree and broke her neck. Within an instant, Roland’s life changed forever, paralyzing her from her chest down. After her initial surgery, she was taken to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital where she was told that she would never walk again. Specifically Leah sustained a C-5 burst fracture and a ½” bruise on the left side of her spinal cord. After being told she would never walk again, she was determined to prove her doctors wrong. With a small amount of luck and a lot of sweat and tears; support from her community, friends and family, today Leah walks with the assistance of only a cane.

On that fateful day in February, Leah, who had been an incredibly active woman – who had relocated to pursue her dreams in the mountains of Colorado – found herself in a state where she could not cough nor sneeze, nor could she move from her chest down. Every day for three months she relearned how to sit up, stand, feed herself, and perform simple tasks. She continues today to push the limits of her abilities by remaining an incredibly active woman – participating in regular spin classes and yoga. Leah had to reach very deep down inside her soul to find the determination and courage from within to continue her journey, called life.

amanda-with-tucker.jpgInspired by her friend Amanda Boxtel, who recently became the first United States citizen to receive human embryonic stem cell therapy, Leah’s next journey will take her to India in the spring of 2008 to receive similar human embryonic stem cell therapy. To date, over 70 other spinal cord injuries have been successful with no adverse side effects. Leah is incredibly excited and nervous about the work she has ahead. She is anticipating success but feels a little apprehensive about giving her body to science, “I feel I’m on the right path and that this is my calling; the future for me, our community and for the many others suffering from incurable diseases and spinal cord injuries.”

Today Leah lives in Aspen with her husband Dan and their 2 cats Daisy and Mayday. She continues intense physical therapy, with a regular routine of acupuncture, yoga, and spinning. In November 2006, Leah took the essential element of her rehab a step further and became a spinning instructor, “Now I motivate others to overcome their own obstacles. It is both rewarding and challenging and I love it.”

Despite Leah’s physical impairments, she continues an active outdoor lifestyle. She enjoys riding her recumbent bike, 4-tracking (skiing), scuba diving, traveling with her husband, and hanging out with friends. Leah is filled with renewed found hope that her progress will continue on, “Here’s to the future with stem cells and more physical therapy, my quest continues….”

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Triathlon #2 completed – Fearless and Unstoppable is a team effort

Monday, August 27th, 2007

High Country Triathlon
2:44
Approximate times for each event
Swim – 18
Ride – 1:25
Run – 50
Transitions – about 5 minutes each

Aspen Life. The name says it all! Healthy lifestyles are a priority here like no other place on earth (except maybe Maui). The participants of the high country triathlon here in Aspen are a representation of the most healthy, happy & fit people around. Everywhere I looked I saw confident smiles, determination and the most positive general outlook on life you could find anywhere. People being friendly and helping each other be their best. I believe this is a direct correlation or reflection of how people feel about themselves here.

I showed up with a flat tire on my bike. Knowing I could change a bike tire wasn’t comforting with less than 30 minutes and nerves that made my hands less than nimble. No sooner did I realize I was in real trouble than a guy from Nova Scotia tried to help; and even though he couldn’t do much – the fact that he was there inspired me to figure it out. I looked up and there was Mark Alderdice, the Aspen Club cycling coach and master instructor ready to save the day! After he teased me (thank you), he urged me to get ready for the race and he’d take care of the bike. WOW! I couldn’t believe my relief & good fortune.

I Arrived at the pool to find my tri-posse waiting and cheering for me. I had resigned myself to being on my own that day and was touched and honored to be greeted by my ‘mountain girl power team’.

I made instant buddies with the girls in my swim heat, which made the fact that I had that panic – heart racing, – gasping for breath meltdown again a little more bearable. My nerves are really an issue that I am being called to attend to. Jumped out of the pool (last) and immediately recovered to make my ride up the Bells a tribute to my home and a prep for the run I dreaded. I even got to motivate a fellow racer who was struggling at the top of the ride. Going into the run I was amazed and relieved that I felt strong and light. Surprised that we weren’t going to have to run the high school track before finishing allowed me to sprint to the finish. I felt like I could have run forever!

I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I saw my posse and my friend and wellness coach Dirk Shultz there with his camera, stylish look and a hug for my sweaty body. His presence was the finishing touch to an amazing goal I never imagined for myself.

Later, I couldn’t resist helping a fellow racer by brining her to the local bike shop to fix her broken chain and help her negotiate Independence Pass for her drive home to Denver (and another triathlon the next morning!). She said to me “You know how you described what that guy Mark did for you? I feel like you’re doing that same thing for me!”

Being Fearless and Unstoppable is truly a team effort. Thank you to the Aspen Club and Spa for inspiring and supporting me to be Fabulous at 40.

Follow my countdown to minus 8 more lbs. before my 40th birthday on September 22! High Country Triathlon, Aspen Colorado, August 18, 2007

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Restoring the Spirit

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

Sometimes I think we need a reset button. Do you ever find yourself feeling blah and tired of the same routine? Then its time for some refreshment and recharging. Consider changing up your daily workout-rather than going to the same class each day or following your weight lifting regime, for just* one* day try something new! A spinning class anyone? How about a hike in the mountains with just you and the pooch. I find that changing my workout from time to time leaves me feeling rejuvenated. Not a regular swimmer? Jump in the pool and do some laps. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel (literally) . Another good way to change things up is to get a massage, a facial or a new haircut. Treating yourself will really restore the spirit, trust me. Let the day sweat away, de-stress in the whirlpool. Try a mud bath. Eat sushi and have a glass of white wine with it. Make a fruit smoothie. Just do something new, and do it just for you.

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Stress Management 101

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

My last post was about taking care while travelling-whether by plane or in the car with 3 kids, there’s no doubt it can be difficult and trying to get where we are going. Especially these days-more traffic, less patience, stressful situations. How do we “manage” stress? Sometimes taking a deep breath isn’t enough. I have been using a mantra lately, a mantra is a saying or even a quote that works for you personally, the goal being its wisdom helps you stop and realize that everything is eventually going to be ok, and that we are built to handle a multitude of challenges, and that obstacles are a part of life. Mine of late is-”life will always be handing us ups and downs, no matter what.” The simplicity and truth of this saying is so basic, I love it-and I give credit for this one to dear mom. She says it nonchalantly all the time, and there is nothing more pure and truthful. So the next time you are delayed 4 hours at the airport or you are sitting on a freeway instead of in a scheduled appoinment,  smile and take comfort in knowing that we cannot control the universe. Then take a deep breath. Why sweat the small stuff? Stress does us no good. Onwards and upwards.

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A Cure for the Blues

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

Let’s face it, sometimes we feel down in the dumps. Life can get to you, and you may not be feeling your usual cheery self.  There are countless things that affect thy mood. Did you know that working out can improve that mood? Studies have shown that a trip to the gym can lighten your load. You may leave feeling more positive, refreshed, and ready to smile again after your workout. Why? Exercise releases endorphines in the body, boosting the feel better good stuff in our brains. Adrenaline rises as well. We sweat, we release negativity and stress. It’s no wonder that exercise is a huge part of the mind-body connection. The next time you may feel down, or sluggish, try a workout. This doesnt mean you need to go gangbusters on the stairmaster or do 100 eagle crunches in a row (who does that?!) but even a gentle workout will likely free up your mind, and make you feel better. Then again there is always that pint of ice-cream in the fridge….just kidding! Enjoy.

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