Hello May, Happy Mother’s Day to all! The heart of the Mobility Queen and the development of all things Mobility Queen is because of my mother, Barbara Odenkirk.
My mother inspired me to do what’s in my heart: helping others with all I’ve learned from surviving this partially paralyzing stroke. Please read more; there are many places like Stretch Lab and products that assist in my mobility and make completing tasks easier with these helpful tools. All this information is good for anyone to improve mobility and simplify life’s everyday tasks.
This month focuses on a varied collection of information from different therapies that I have used that have helped me- including Stretching at Stretch Lab-to products that perform -focusing on the little things that make a difference in my everyday life. As well as a Company I want call out for all the advancements and focus on mobility for all that they are excelling at. To an update to the story of Amy Purdy the three time Paralympian in snowboarding who recently went through a major setback. Her story is amazing and worth a look for anyone and everyone.
To start out with I will be sharing some different physical therapies that I use to keep myself feelings physically well as possible. Not only for my affect paralyzed side but for my good healthy side that I feel can help anyone paralyzed or not.
Each of these suggestions are not medical or medicine related more stretching and getting regular massage to keep myself loose and my healthy side as healthy as possible. I have been recently finding much relief and more flexibility from getting stretches at my local Stretch Lab. It is just that you go in and get stretched by professional and it really has improved my gait for walking and flexibility.
There are around 400 Stretch Labs in the US, and tell them the mobility queen sent you.
A Pop socket for the back of your phone. I find this Helpful to hold with one hand as well as place to lean on when you set it down to type freely with one hand. This one is a custom one for the mobility queen let me know if you have any interest but there are many versions available. Maria@themobilityqueen.com
A crossbody bag that is big enough and not too heavy with an outside easy access pocket like my friend Sharon is using here in the signature Mobility Queen crossbody bag I love.
-Pack WATER BOTTLE Opener ERGO OPENER | Arthritis Sufferers Elderly Seniors Weak Hands | Easy Twist-Off Plastic Bottle Opening Tool Travel On-Go | Carpal Tunnel | MADE in USA
Helps me with one hand to open easier.
Inspire- Inspire- Inspire
Amy Purdy- 3x-Paralympian remarkable story even with a major setback in 2021 after the initial amputation on her legs she still inspires and snowboards on. I think it’s worth the time to hear her meaningful message.
Amy Purdy Opens Up About Her 2-Year Battle to Walk Again | FULL FEATURE | People
Advancements I want to call out TOYOTA as they lead in AI advancements related to cars-wheelchairs and new electric low speed short distance people mover(APM). In addition to a new seat that gives assistance to people with mobility issues to get in and out of the Sienna van. Plus lots more. I’m calling TOYOTA for all these advancements and their focus on mobility for all.
Toyota is working on a number of mobility advancements, including:
One-touch wheelchair fastening device
Toyota is developing a device that allows users to secure a wheelchair to a vehicle with the press of a button. This device is intended to make it easier for wheelchair users to travel.
Accessible People Mover (APM)
Toyota has developed a low-speed, short-distance electric vehicle (BEV) that can seat up to six people. The APM can be configured to transport wheelchair users by folding the seats.
i-ROAD
A compact three-wheeled BEV that combines the size of a motorcycle with the comfort of a car. The i-ROAD is designed for urban sharing services and tourist destinations.
Andyamo
A trip planner that helps people with reduced mobility by providing information about accessible sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and public transportation.
Okeenea
A mobility assistance application that helps people with reduced mobility navigate complex places.
Genny ZERO
A seat in the Toyota Sienna that can be used to help people with limited mobility get in and out of the vehicle.
Connected city
Toyota is working to create a “connected city” where information links all items and services that support people’s daily lives.
Welcome December: A Season to Reflect and Celebrate
Welcome December: A Season to Reflect and Celebrate
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate. This year has been transformational for the Mobility Queen community, with milestones achieved in our mission to champion the needs of the disabled community. From reimagining our website and social media presence to exploring innovative outreach methods, the journey has been one of growth and impact.
Here are some of the highlights from an incredible year and a glimpse into what’s ahead:
Transformative Achievements
Supporting Disability Advocacy
This year, the team not only revamped our communication platforms but also took an active role in giving back. A significant moment was our participation in the Hike Up the Tower event for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. It was a powerful experience of camaraderie and advocacy for accessibility.
Amplifying Representation with NBC
One of the standout moments of the year was my inspiring visit to NBC in Chicago. I had the privilege of sharing my story and discussing the importance of inclusivity in media and the workplace. Touring the studios and meeting passionate individuals reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to challenge perceptions and foster understanding.
Expanding Awareness Through Media
I also had the honor of being interviewed by NCTV in Naperville, where I shared the origin of the Mobility Queen platform and its long-term vision: to create awareness, drive innovation, and collaborate on advancing mobility for all.
Products That Perform
Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff
This device has been a game-changer for me! Its easy, one-handed operation makes monitoring blood pressure simple and accessible.
Mark your calendars for March 10-12 in Denver, CO! The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s annual summit is a vital platform for innovation, collaboration, and connection within the disabled community.
As we celebrate a remarkable 2024, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who have supported this journey. Your encouragement fuels my passion to continue advocating for inclusivity and accessibility. Let’s raise a toast to the progress we’ve made, and together, let’s make 2025 even brighter!
Wishing you and your families a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Cheers,
October, YES the Fall is here leaves are falling and the nights are cool and this is a busy highly anticipated month for The Mobility Queen. This month is personally filled with celebrating birthdays of some of the important men in my life including Bill, Bob, Charlie, and Bob G. In addition to the highly anticipated preparation and training for the big event next month the SKYRISE Challenge in Chicago. There’s lots of details of how you can participate or contribute to this great event below, plus a new collection of products that perform by SLICK CHICKS which is now available at TARGET.
For 34 straight years, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab specializing in traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery and spinal cord injury has led the nation in state of the art therapies and research.
I have been fortunate to participate in seven trials with the Ability Lab, each study employed cutting edge technology and a research team that applied this technology to real world challenges that a stroke survivor like me faced in a daily basis.
It is my goal to support this exceptional organization in any and every way I possibly can.
Please support these efforts by registering and hiking up the tower, or by purchasing a Team Mobility Queen t-shirt, or giving a donation for my team Maria Odenkirk- Team Mobility Queen
Together we can improve the future of rehabilitation FOR ALL!
September, September, I love September! Fall is my favorite season in Chicago, and I’m excited to be back in the city to experience the changing leaves and cooler weather.
This month, I’ve been focusing on products that perform, as well as simple self-care practices that bring clarity and peace. Additionally, I’m opening up about the challenges I faced during the acute phase of my recovery. I hope you find it helpful and hopeful. Let’s embrace this season of change and growth together! Let’s go!
Pictured above: me after therapy in need of mini-spa minutes
The first month in the hospital, I was challenged with many things, including some vision issues. Looking back now, I think the vision issues contributed to my feelings around this initial phase. I would say that until I was in the rehabilitation hospital for about two weeks, I didn’t recall much at all and I’m fairly certain I was put on a lot of relaxing drugs to keep me calm.
Once I regained some awareness and my vision improved, I started to understand what happened. At that point—lying in bed and not really feeling my left side—I didn’t fully understand the condition of my body. It wasn’t until they tried to get me up and I started therapy that it hit me all at once. Between all the gear I had on—a gait belt, a brace on my hand and another on my leg plus a not so pretty patch over my eye—I was feeling low, immobile and weaker than I have ever felt before.
When my eyesight started to improve around week three, I looked around the room and could see all the equipment and things either attached to me or nearby to help me get up.
I started to get scared—yes, scared to my soul. It was feeling like I’ve never felt before. I’d always moved my body— was always going and doing up until now. It took no thought and little to no effort before. Now it took every ounce of my mental and physical energy to move. It was so difficult and emotional to process: What will happen to me? My life? So many questions and worries. These were some of my darkest days.
Once I got a good look around, I noticed in the bathroom ahead of me, there was a chair with all kinds of cords. It actually looked like an electric chair. One day when I was being wheeled into the shower, I asked, “Are you going to electrocute me?” We all had a good laugh—it was just a shower chair. Looked scary to me!
As I found myself staying longer and longer in the hospital, I started doing this little ritual after my long days of therapy. I didn’t remember it until recently, when I was working on my blog. My mood and contentment levels can be impacted by sights, sounds, and smells around me… and I was stuck in a hospital. Ugh!—need I say more?
After my hard therapy (early on in the acute phase), I would find myself plugging in a little diffuser. It had a light to it that I usually put on blue. I broke out some of my favorite hand lotion (Capri Blue Volcano from Anthropology) and put on some music through my iPhone or even scrolled through some great beach videos. The combination of these simple things really brought me some contentment and let me step away (in my mind) for at least for a few minutes from all the hard, clinical things happening around me, including my physical struggles.
Not everyone will see the value in doing this, and there might be something else that brings contentment and a little bit of an escape, but I wanted to share that these simple little things helped me more than I realized. Yes, try some mini-spa minutes out for yourself if you need some rest, refreshment, and contentment. (I highly recommend it, especially at the crucial acute phase.)
Before I even knew her story, just seeing this picture totally inspired me. I literally was in awe with this image alone. I thought 1- I’ve got to fine out who this person is and then I thought 2- falling back on my career I thought I could see this picture over a rack of leggings in a store that would certainly get my attention. Which sparked my further my hunt and desire to design the perfect pair of yoga pants that are not only perfection on the old bod but give back to the disabled community every time they sell with my heart logo and a meaningful philanthropic element every time you see it. Our collective hearts helping each other. Yes, lofty and big/enormous but I suppose long-term that it the goal. Let’s Go!
To say that this speech from Sharon Stone is Inspiring is an understatement to say the least. I stumbled upon this about 4 months ago and I was overwhelmed by her honesty, intelligence and all she has done in the meantime since Hollywood kicked her out. It seams unreal to me that this beautiful, intelligent, amazing actress would be dropped with all her talents when she suffered a stroke. To see her in this video made me respect and admire her even more than just being an exceptional actress. She tells her story so openly and asking us all to “use our voice” on top of the fact that diversity means a lot of different things, really resonated with me. She could not have articulated this any better from my perspective. As soon as I saw it, I sent it onto my brother Bob who has been helping with some of the content and web development for my new website, themobilityqueen.com.
She gave me a jump start and helped me to formulate in my mind what I can contribute and how I can utilize my voice to help others.
