Specialized Gym For Spinal Cord Injured Sponsoring Poker Tournament

Far too many times we are reminded how in the blink of an eye, our lives can change forever. Darren Templeton, a 2004 graduate who suffered an injury just after graduating, is a prime example of that. But Templeton did not just let his injury change his own life. He used it as motivation for him and his family to help improve the lives of others.

In July of 2004, Templeton broke his neck in two places after diving into shallow water, he said. He spent three months in in-patient care in Atlanta before coming home to Kinnelon that fall and continuing out-patient rehabilitation. Templeton began exercising with another Kinnelon High School graduate, Eric Prol, to try and build up his strength.

"We were limited with the equipment because we were working out of my house," Templeton said.

Templeton had heard of a specialized gym in California for individuals with injuries like his, and made several trips with Prol to visit the gym and see if it would help him. Templeton said he was pleased with the results he saw after the visits.

"After a few times, we said, 'This is something we would like to try here,'" he said.

Since January of 2007, Templeton's family has been operating Push to Walk, a nonprofit organization that offers physical exercise and counseling to individuals who have suffered from spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Originally located in the Ward's Plaza, in , Push to Walk now occupies a large space on North Corporate Drive in Riverdale.

In that space is a full specialized gym, complete with 13 machines and three personal trainers who are trained to work with individuals who have had these types of injuries. The gym is by appointment only and clients pay per hour to work with a trainer for $85. The initial evaluation is complimentary. Most clients, according to Cynthia Templeton, Darren's mother, come between one and two times per week.

Cynthia said that sometimes she gets phone calls from people who are interested in learning about the facility, but do not end up coming.

"I really think that seeing the place is important," she said. "Exercise on a regular basis is really important."

Cynthia said that by exercising, many people who have suffered these types of injuries, or who have Multiple sclerosis, are able to regain their independence and begin to ease back into activities that they endured prior to their accidents, such as driving.

Templeton said that results come in many forms and that being able to walk is not the only sign of recovery. In his own recovery through exercise, Templeton said he has been able to have better sensation and feeling in his lower body and a better overall health.

"Any level of recovery is beneficial," he said. "You don't need to be walking for it to be successful. It's all a benefit. Everyone has their own individual goals."

Push to Walk will be hosting Casino Night this Friday at the Route 23 Automall, in Butler. Cost is $175 to participate in the Texas Hold Em' Tournament, which begins at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the $175 includes entry fee into the tournament, buffet dinner, wine and beer. For $100, food, beer and wine is included without the entry into the tournament.

Prizes will be awarded to the final 10 players worth the value of their tickets. The grand prize is a $5,000 Visa gift card; second place wins a 55" flat-screen television; and other prizes include New Jersey Devils tickets a women's watch and more.

To register for the event, click here for Push to Walk's Web site, or you can register at the door Friday.