Paralyzed Former Athlete from Downingtown Finds New Calling

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Image via HopeForHelm.com.

Matt Helm, a former star athlete at Downingtown High School who became paralyzed in a kayaking accident, has found a new calling by helping people of all abilities accomplish their fitness goals, writes Melissa Jacobs for Main Line Today.

Helm was paralyzed four years ago, but never gave up hope of walking again. After watching an episode of Say Yes to the Dress that featured Katie Breland Hughes, a paralyzed Louisiana woman who walked down the aisle after months of working with Mike Barwis, Helm and his wife Lindsay knew what to do.

“I needed to train with Barwis,” said Helm.

With support from family and friends, the couple moved to Michigan. There, Helm began intense physical training before months of grueling work in a neurological reengineering program. Now, he is able to stand for periods of time using leg bracers, and more importantly, he can teach.

Helm and his wife have since opened Stand Strong Training Center in Downingtown to help train athletes with a variety of physical limitations.

“I can help everyone achieve their fitness goals or just feel better about their bodies,” said Helm.

Read more about Matt Helm in Main Line Today here.

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