Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast!

Today we are joined by John Wynkoop, PT, DPT and Army Veteran. John recently began showing symptoms that raised concern - Muscle rigidity, spasms, weakness, and an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong within his body. After completing many tests, only one showed abnormalities - a pulmonary test showing reduced function at 69%. However John's education as a physical therapist has given him the upper hand in understanding the diagnostic phases that come with complex conditions. And unfortunately, many neuron motor diseases are determined by ruling things out, instead of a specific test confirming. Currently, John is working through additional testing to determine if he is in the beginning stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. 

John is reeling with frustration while navigating his care through the VA, daily grief, and feels unable to move forward without receiving a diagnosis to confirm how he will plan for his future. 

John asked for a favor this week - that if he can no longer advocate for himself, if ALS takes his voice, that his friends continue to speak on his behalf and advocate for him. 

Well, John, you know we will.  

If anyone has any resources to help John, please reach out to share details. 

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: [email protected]

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout! 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast! Let's catch up!!

Val and Morgan update everyone about the new facility we opened on September 8, 2025. They discuss the ability to grow and foster creativity with the larger space. A grand opening will be happening later this year! Stay tuned!!  

Morgan shares the latest update on her ACL tear, including some worries about what surgery on her SCI affected knee and recovery may look like. She is feeling strong and ready to go after completing pre-hab with Matt at our neighboring Spooner PT in East Mesa! 

Val returned to Camp With A Ramp, this time managing the weekend without injury. She discusses Chris' day at the lake, kayaking - and swimming- albeit unexpected! She's now gearing up for the Arizona APTA Fall Conference and the 75th Anniversary of the Arizona Chapter. Congratulations to Lynette Lauterbach, PTA and Anna Fern-Buneo, PT, Arizona's PTA and PT of the Year! Congratulations are also in order to James Roush, PT, who is receiving the Pauline Wampler Service award!

If you have been a past guest on our podcast and are also interested in sharing your testimonial for marketing purposes for Neuro and Brain Performance Centers, please let Morgan and Val know so we can get you to our marketing team. 

If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: [email protected]

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout! 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast with Morgan and Val! Today we chat about advocacy and insurance, and believe it or not, they go hand in hand!! 

Val starts off this episode sharing all about the advocacy efforts she took part of in Washington D.C. with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). She also shares a patient testimonial letter that was shared a Senator Mark Kelly's and Congressman Greg Stanton's offices. Thank you to those who shared your testimonials supporting physical therapy!! 

Next, Capone joins us for this year's updates and explains some of the differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage/UHC Advantage plans. He'll also review the difference between referrals and authorizations, and provides definitions behind the insurance jargon - deductibles, co-insurances, copays and out of pocket limits. 

We want our community to feel informed when making insurance decisions for themselves or their families who require long-term care due to injury and/or disability. Capone shares the big questions to ask when shopping for health insurance: 1. Is a referral required? 2. Are there visit limits? 3. Is authorization required?

Ultimately, you, the buyer, are responsible for knowing the plan and payor information for your selected insurance plan! Make an informed decision - ask all the questions before buying!!  

Open enrollment begins November 1, 2025 and ends January 15, 2026. 

Thank you to Capone for sharing all these updates with our followers and thank you to all of you that continue to listen and provide feedback! We are so grateful for you!! 

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If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033

Welcome back to another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast! This week we are addressing a very common question we are asked in the clinic setting: "Can I still travel? Are cruises accessible to wheelchair users?? How do you make it work???"

This week Morgan and Val are joined by Adam and Tara Pepiton for a cruise review of the various cruise lines and whether they've found their ships and rooms to be accessible to persons with mobility limitations. They also will share stories of the good and bad experiences they've had and how to avoid them in the future. 

They provide their opinions of accessibility at ports they have visited ranging from northern destinations in Alaska all the way south to Cozumel and Belize. 

Collectively, we find that planning and researching destinations is the most important key to cruising stress-free. Does the trip require a tender transfer to get off the ship? Do you have to arrange for special equipment?? Planning ahead is vital to ensuring safe and enjoyable vacation. 

We hope this episode soothes any worries you may have that travel is impossible after injury. It is possible and is essential to continue living your life to the fullest!!

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 If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast! 

This week Morgan and Val are joined by Adam Pepiton, and his mother, Tara. Adam shares his story of surviving a drive-by shooting, hitting him directly in the head on September 5, 2010. Adam had a 1% chance of surviving his injury, but he's here with us to share details of his recovery and finding himself, and peace, along the way. Tara shares what occurred after the preacher banged on the door in the early hours to tell her she needed to call her sister who relayed the devastating news. 

Adam's advice to others just starting out - don't be afraid to ask for help. Tara seconds that thought, and also adds that finding the right doctor and rehabilitation team are vital. Not everyone is going to be a good fit. Keep looking for the one who supports your recovery goals and dreams. 

Thank you so much, Adam and Tara, for sharing your journey with us! 

** Adam's incident is still an unsolved case. If you know anything about the persons involved in the drive-by shooting that wounded Adam, please contact the Phoenix Police Department. **

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If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast! 

This week Morgan and Val discuss caregiver burnout, a real issue many family caregivers experience while assisting with the care of a loved one. They highlight these concerns and discuss available resources for caregivers. 

Via the American Physchological Association, caregivers often experience the following problems while managing the care of a family member:

- Mental Health Concerns: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Guilt, Sadness, Easily Irritated, Feeling Isolated or Abandoned by Others, Anticipatory Grief

- Physical Health Concerns: Fatigue, Sleep Problems, Risk of Illness, Injury or Mortality, Weakened Immune System, Dysregulation of Stress Hormones

- Functional and Cognitive Impairment: Greater Need For Help with IADL Assistance, Difficulty with Memory and Concentration

- Secondary Strains: Work/Employment, Financial Strains, Relationship Stress, Loss of Time for Self-Care, Reduced Quality of Life

- Care Decisions: When Is It Time for Various Services, Residential Placement, End of Life Care Planning

- Resources and Eligibility for Services: Housing, Healthcare, Community Services, Respite

- Family Challenges: Conflict about Care, Lack of Support for Caregiver, Balancing Needs of Healthy and Sick Family Members, Behavioral Issues, Interpersonal Conflicts, Lack of Cooperation by Care Recipient

-Advocacy for Care: Interface with Service Systems, Coordinating Systems

(https://apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/common-problems)

For more information about the caregiver support groups discussed in this episode, visit: https://www.azcaregiver.org/support-groups-care-for-caregivers

Thank you to our friends who participated in offering your input and advice for our caregiver community! We hear you, we see you, and know you are not alone!! 

If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast! 

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tara Sullivan and Dr. Kylee Austin, founders of Mind 2 Body Healing, both doctors of physical therapy specializing in treating the pelvic floor. They discuss the importance of treating dysfunction of the pelvis that may include bowel, bladder, sexual dysfunctions, and pelvic pain. 

Listen in to hear what to expect at a pelvic PT session! 

We also discuss advocacy efforts and when it comes to awareness, Dr. Kylee is not shy while promoting pelvic floor therapy - as her alter ego, Virginia Vulva! She has stopped parades and marched in Washington D.C. to provide a visual representation to break the social stigma and promote pelvic PT! 

Dr. Tara and Dr. Kylee recently created PelviEd, a 3-month virtual residency program targeting clinicians looking to expand their knowledge in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. For more information, visit: pelvied.com

Interested in learning more about M2B pelvic floor therapy?  

Mind 2 Body Healing
Phone: 480-269-7953
Fax: 480-769-7269
Websites: pelvicfloorspecialists.com,  m2bhealing.com

Arcadia Location:
M2B in Arcadia
3104 E Indian School Rd Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Tempe Location:
M2B at Volition
2155 E University Dr. #101
Tempe, Az 85288

Follow Mind 2 Body Healing and PelviEd on Instagram & Facebook! 

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If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast! 

Rob lived his life following the American dream - he worked hard, supported his family, built his business, and squeezed in a golf game when possible. Then one night, his dogs woke him up, barking for no apparent reason. As Rob climbed out of bed, he knew something didn't feel quite right. After he was able to convince himself he definitely wasn't fine, he called for help and was rushed off to the hospital. 

Sure enough, Rob had suffered a stroke. After a few days in the hospital and a short stint at the local in-patient rehab center, Rob continued his recovery with our team at Neuro & Brain. He worked very hard to leave the wheelchair behind, and was able to learn to walk again. He has regained much of his independence and continues to strive toward reaching his personal goals.

Thank you, Rob, for sharing your story! Thank you for continuing to work so hard and inspiring those around you!!   

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If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast! 

This week we are joined by 17 year old, Ryder, and his parents, Kira and Greg! Ryder shares thoughtful insight to growing up with cerebral palsy (CP). Ryder is wise beyond his years and advocates not only for his needs, but for others around him. Ryder lovingly describes life with his siblings, Ruby and Hudson, his younger sister and little brother. Ryder enjoys a rockstar life, attending as many rock concerts as possible and most importantly, they are great bands that Val approves of! 

Buckle up as we shift gears and talk with Kira and Greg about what it was like for their first-born to arrive early at 26 weeks, surprising them every bit of the way as he miraculously surpassed doctors expectations. Around year 2, they noticed Ryder was missing some of the big milestones, and he was diagnosed with CP. Despite learning their son would have challenges ahead, they charged forward with ensuring Ryder has everything he needs to be a successful and kind person. 

Along the way they have witnessed miracle after miracle, often following a challenge presented to them in which they turned to their faith to get them through it. I think it goes without saying that we are all blessed to have crossed paths with Ryder and his family. They are strong and caring, serving their community and leading by example. 

We are so thankful to Ryder, Kira, and Greg for joining us to share their journey!    

If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast! This week Morgan and Val talk about really cool community events coming up in the Phoenix area! 

Hustle For HUG - February 22, 2025

Join Us for the Fourth Annual Hustle for HUG 5K or 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk!

This fundraiser will benefit the Healthcare United at GateWay (HUG) Clinic, which gives students hands-on experience while providing free healthcare to community members in need. 

WHEN:
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (8:30 a.m. check-in)

WHERE:
GateWay Community College | Washington Campus
108 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Cost: $10

For more information about Hustle For HUG, go to https://www.gatewaycc.edu/hustle-hug

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Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona's 7th Annual Run, Walk and Roll - March 22,2025

Come join the Brain Injury Association of Arizona for the 7th Annual Run, Walk and Roll 10K - 5K - 1 Mile event on March 22nd at Kiwanis Park!

All monies raised will benefit the adaptive recreation and socialization programs that are run throughout the year, including game night, movie days, and Camp Brain.

Race Day Registration will be available beginning at 7:00am at Kiwanis Park. We accept cash, or credit card on race day. (Checks are no longer accepted).
Cost of registration on race day will be:

• 10K - $50
• 5K - $40
• 1M - $30

We welcome wheelchairs, strollers & wagons. No roller blades/skates, skateboards or motorized devices are allowed on the run or walk courses. Leashed pet and walker friendly.

For more information about Run Walk and Roll 2025, go to https://biaaz.org/run-walk-and-roll/

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Camp With A Ramp - September 11 - 14, 2025

It’s almost time for the Neuro and Brain Community Foundation’s 7th annual Camp with a Ramp located at Whispering Hope Ranch, near Christopher Creek, Arizona on September 11-14, 2025.

Approximately 70 campers (with various spinal cord injuries or diseases), caregivers, family members and volunteers gather for an awesome 3-day cabin camping experience.
Throughout the stay, participants choose from a wide variety of adaptive activities including adaptive horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, adaptive mountain bike riding, archery, crafts, animal interaction, basketball, pickleball, and educational discussion groups. Each Camper gets to tailor their outdoor adventure to their own personal interests and abilities.  Each evening features an all-camp activity including a campfire with s’mores, live music and dancing, and a casino night.

For more information about Camp With A Ramp,  go to https://www.campwitharamp.org/

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If you are interested in sharing your story or have advice and tips for our listeners, please email us at: [email protected]

Interested in joining us for your physical, occupational or speech therapy needs? We are located on the north east corner of Power and Brown Rds in East Mesa, AZ. 

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 
6840 E. Brown Road, Suite 104
Mesa, Arizona 85207
Phone 480-719-8080
Fax 888-375-1033 

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