A REMINDER THAT ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Bennie Ratcliff, a patient at the Touro Rehabilitation Center, was shot 22 years ago and sustained a C5/C6 spinal cord injury, leaving him with quadriplegia. Despite his many challenges, Bennie has not given up and is currently working on his Mardi Gras Indian suit for the 2013 Carnival Season.

“Originally, I had other people assisting me with my suit, and then I thought there has to be a way I can do much more of it my own. With special tools, I am able to do more of it by myself, but also still rely on my team where I need assistance,” Bennie said.

Bennie places the needle with amazing accuracy, pushes it and pulls it through the canvas. Bennie and his Occupational Therapist, Donna Harris, are working on a strategy that will enable him to get the beads on the needle himself as well as increase his beading rate. He needs assistance with flipping his canvas from side to side.

“Bennie is a great patient. His upper body strength and endurance have improved since he started working on his suit. With more work on this project and other therapies, he will continue to improve his strength and range of motion,” Donna said.

Despite the many daily challenges Bennie faces, he truly lives each day as if it is a gift. He even has a vision to maybe one day start his own Indian tribe to help keep this culture alive. He wants to work with younger people and teach them the importance of investing time and being passionate about something bigger than themselves.