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

This week, Morgan and Val interviewed Ra-Jon James, who shares his amazing recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, often referred to as GBS. 

Ra-Jon's symptoms were dismissed by his local urgent care as "just the flu", but within days, he would be receiving life-saving measures and months of therapies to regain his ability to walk and live independently again. 

Ra-Jon shares the intimate details of his recovery and what inspired him to keep going, and gives thanks to his family and friends for raising him up when he was not feeling strong. Shout out to Ra-Jon's parents and his wonderful friend, Maureen, who motivated him to keep moving forward - literally!! 

Thank you, Ra-Jon, for sharing your amazing recovery story with us!! 

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Details about Guillain-Barre Syndrome via Mayo Clinic website:

"Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.

Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.

There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue."

(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793)

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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 another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast! 

Recently, Morgan and Val were asked to present to Creighton University's DPT Program for their Neurological Organization Day. While prepping for their presentation, they decided to also bring their podcast friends along and allow you to listen in as they answer student's questions. 

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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

Join us as we discuss community resources, collaboration, and patient-centered care with Kiera Flahart, PTA from Encompass Health East Valley. 

Morgan, Val, and Kiera each have a unique experience with managing patient care and caregivers and they share their perspectives on how best to navigate early interventions and the transition to outpatient care. Kiera points out the three C's of advocacy: collaborate, connect, and communicate - all values that we each believe in while managing patient care. 

Kiera shares details not only about the upcoming National Patient Safety Awareness Week and events being held during the week at Encompass Health East Valley, but also many resources available to patients and caregivers the community may be unaware of. 

Thank you to Kiera and Encompass Health for all you do for our community!! 

National Patient Safety Awareness Week -  March 8-14, 2026

Scheduled events at Encompass Health East Valley:
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 @ 3pm - Damsel in Defense
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 @ 3pm - R.O.S.E. Fraud Seminar for the Elderly

Address:
Encompass Health East Valley
5652 E Baseline Rd
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-567-0350 

Upcoming Events:
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona - Run, Walk & Roll 10k/5k/1 mile Event, Saturday, March 21st @ Kiwanis Park

Community support groups at Encompass Health East Valley:

Parkinson's Disease - PWR group - 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 1pm
Amputee support group - last Monday of every month
Stroke support group - 4th Wednesday of every month @ 2pm

Other community resources talked about during podcast:

Meals on wheels : https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org 

Arizona self help: https://www.arizonaselfhelp.org

Measurabilities: https://measurabilities.com

Ability 360: https://ability360.org

Azcaregiver.org

Area Agency on Aging: https://www.aaaphx.org

Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona: BIAAZ.org

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

Join Morgan and Val as they interview stroke survivor Nancy Consalvo and learn more about her recovery and what got her through the last two years of rehabilitation. Nancy credits her husband, Matt, and son, Ben, for their quick action and getting on the phone to call for life-saving aid. Nancy discusses everything from rehab to returning home, and eventually returning to traveling, after hearing encouraging words from her primary care physician, Dr. Powell - "Live your life - What's the point of surviving something like this if you're not gonna live?" 

Nancy, always the teacher, has gone on to earn a certificate as a neuro science coach and continues to learn about how the brain recovers from a stroke. She continues to work hard in physical and occupational therapy and is a true believer in neuroplasticity - the brain's lifelong ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury. 

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your journey with us!! 

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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

Join us as Morgan and Val recap their 2025 summary, Morgan's ACL recovery, and Val's cruise to the Bahamas and Chris trialing the RioMobility Firefly device on the trip. Val was very excited to finally get Chris into the ocean, but certainly needed the help from a few others to get him back out! Listen in to hear more about the recent adventures from your podcast friends! 

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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!

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!!

                                                                   ***

 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. **

                                                           ***

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