News & Events
How can a Magical Event and a Horrific Heartbeat of a Moment share the same 24- hour period?
The San Francisco native, Frank Alioto can contest to the unlikelihood of such irony. Frank's story was featured on "Breakthrough with Tony Robbins," on NBC July 27, 2010. Click here to watch the episode on NBC.com. "Frank the Tank" a nickname that was inherited and has stuck with him since, is due to the parallel between him and the character played by Will Ferrell in the 2003 box office hit "Old School". Both guys always tinkering with their old red camaro's and hangin' with the fellas. The sarcastic, dry humored mechanical engineer tells his story with a smirk; as if he has some of the answers we are all searching for as we travel down the mysterious road of life. His silence is kept, his secret remains unrevealed as he goes through the events of a day that will always be remembered as the day he had a true understanding of the famous words, "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health".
Frank and Kristen had been good friends for years before they started dating. The active couple was always on the go. Their travel itineraries included several road trips in their RV, 4-wheeling, motor sports, mountain biking, hiking, camping.... and the list goes on, and on. His passion for automobiles produced and altered several vehicles over the years. He describes his garage as a child would describe a toy chest, filled with jeeps, trucks, dune buggies, and scrap motor-parts that would soon have a life of their own. He showed me a picture of his jeep that he modified; it's quite impressive, custom suspension, custom roll-cage, after market seats and beadlock wheels. Frank and Kristen could be characterized as that rare couple that continues their own interests, but yet their experiences are heightened by their unique qualities. Like true puzzle pieces that belong attached, Frank and Kristen had a good thing and knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, sharing all adventures that would come their way. They were engaged for about a year and a half and ready to tie the knot on December 6th 2008 in Puerto Vallarta.
Preparing for the day that would unite the two in marriage was no different from any other couple than it was for Frank and Kristen. The planning went smoothly with the help of their strategic, organized, wedding planner with no kinks in sight for the big day. However, there was no way to prepare for the heartbeat of a moment that would occur later that evening.
The week had been jam packed with adventures shared with friends and family. By the time Saturday rolled around Frank and others were ready to relax and fully enjoy the celebration they had all traveled to attend.
He goes on describing the moment his fiancée walked down the aisle to meet him at the alter. Kristen, an independent, successful woman and soon to be wife of a true "Man's Man", was less than amused as she approached him at the alter. She was not lit up with smiles like most brides, but rather annoyed by Frank's actions. The attention of the guests was focused on the "Snap Happy" groom rather than the beautiful bride. Camera in hand, he thought it would be fun to document this particular moment from his view, taking over from the photographer that had been hired. He chuckles as he re-lives the moment in his mind, and then shows me some photos of the ceremony that had been saved to his iPhone.
I have come to know Frank as the funny sarcastic member here at NextStep Fitness. Although I'm back in the office most of the time and have little interaction with the clients, I always catch a glimpse of conversation on the floor and can't help but smile at Frank's contributions. His loyalty, generosity and thoughtfulness are also very apparent from the desk where I sit. He always brings others into the loop of entertaining dialog, no matter what the topic may be on that particular day. Willing to clown at himself and always making sure not to joke at someone else's expense.... well…at least making sure they can handle it if he does. Personally speaking, best of all are his generous avocado offerings from his avocado tree. I have become quite popular with my friends due to my amazing guacamole, Thank You Frank!!
So, back to the story, Kristen is clearly well aware and in loving acceptance of Frank's humor, Kristen's annoyance quickly passed and the wedding ceremony was even more beautiful than expected. The reception was magnificent, over looking the ocean, dancing by the pool and sharing the love and happiness that was so evidently present.
By the time the sun started to set, the entire wedding party was in the pool dancing, wedding clothes and all. Yes, the bride was wearing her dress and her bridesmaids were wearing matching. They were all singing, dancing, and having the time of their lives. What a blast! Wanting to be a part of the "Water Wedding Party", Frank dove in the pool headfirst.
His head forcefully plunged into the concrete floor and within a heartbeat of a moment his C5 & C6 vertebrae were completely shattered -- leaving him with a sever case of paralysis. Memory is lost of the actual dive as well as the contact he had at the bottom. Like a nightmare, but unable to awake, he found himself in a pool of water unable to float. At that moment, Frank knew there was something terribly wrong, the feeling in his legs was completely gone and he was unable to move. He was rushed to a clinic on a backboard where he was confined all night. "That was the first time I heard the word quadriplegic in association to my condition". He goes on to explain the panic and anxiety he lived, while painfully and helplessly spending his "Golden Hour" in that Mexican Clinic. That was night "Team Tank" was born. His friends and family showed their support immediately, making Team Tank hospital bracelets.
Frank is now confined to a wheelchair and spends 3 days a week at NextStep Fitness. A facility that was established in 2008 by Janne Kouri, a man that has also been stripped from independence. Determined to make a difference NextStep Fitness partnered with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation's NeuroRecovery Network to bring cutting edge training methods, procedures, and technologies to rehabilitation for people suffering from paralysis. NextStep Fitness' mission is to provide community-based, state-of-the-art fitness facilities for individuals suffering from paralysis at an affordable cost. Along with other members, NextStep Fitness has become Frank's second home.
Frank joined NextStep Fitness in May 2009, after Kristen vigorously searched for recovery options for her new husband. When he joined, he had very little upper-body movement. Christel Mitrovich, the Director of Locomotor Training here at NextStep has expressed his amazingly positive outlook, realistic personal goals and willingness to try something new. He has worked very hard on his arm movement, which was non-existent when he arrived, now able to raise both arms over his head. He is still working very hard on core strength and better arm control and looks forward to traveling more and becoming more independent in the future. The desire to get back to work was mentioned several times in our conversation as well as completing projects that were started before the wedding but now lay unfinished in his garage.
I asked Frank how this injury has changed him the most beyond the physical limitations. "Patience, I've never had patience," he said. Frank explains that you cannot be impatient in his situation, it would be impossible. Waiting for others to help with simple tasks is very difficult for someone who is used to doing everything themselves. Before he was more caught up in his own life with work and other things that he now finds to be quite insignificant. The time with friends and family is a commodity that has become Frank's first priority.
Just when you think these newlyweds have endured enough trauma, another obstacle lies in their path. This last February Kristin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors took her under the knife immediately finding a tumor the size of an orange. Only being able to remove half of the tumor, they went in a second time in May to recover the remains. Miraculously Kristen was back working full time in June shocking doctors with her speedy recovery.
Frank and Kristen Alioto's story is a compelling one to say the very least. It has captured the attention of many including, Tony Robbins who has done a special on Frank and his wife. The Tony Robbins crew followed Frank for two months including a trip to Fiji, which was his first big trip after the accident. His trip to Fiji opened his mind to the possibility to continue his travel adventures as he has come so accustomed to. They showed him the luxury was still available to him and his family, through different arrangements.
As far as "Team Tank" goes Kristen continues to stand strong by Frank's side and family support is solid as ever. There is no slowing down "Team Tank"; the newlyweds will finally go to Hawaii for their honeymoon in November, and plan to fill their calendar with new itineraries in 2011.
Written By, Kathleen Dougherty of NextStep Fitness
New York Fashion and Events
New York Fashion and Events features NextStep's 2nd Annual NYC "Help Make a Difference" Fundraiser
NextStep's 2nd Annual NYC "Help Make a Difference" Fundraiser
The photos from NextStep's 2nd Annual NYC "Help Make a Difference" Fundraiser held at Christie's are posted on line. To view the images please visit www.stephaniebadiniphotography.com and click on "recent events". Enjoy!
Continuing her strong push (April 26, 2010|By Jean Merl, Los Angeles Times)
LAPD Officer, Nextsep client, and friend Kristina Ripati featured in LA Times Story.
Nearly four years after being shot three times by a suspect, ex-LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti is making maximum use of a part of her body that had not been left paralyzed: her arms.
Wheelchair Workouts (Ivanhoe Newswire - 4/8/2010)
Every year, 11,000 people hear "you may never walk again," and the majority of them are in the prime of their lives. One young paraplegic who's defying the odds is helping others do the same, not through a new drug or a new surgery, but through exercise.
For the physically disabled, fitness is key (Reuters Life!)
When Jothy Rosenberg was told after losing a leg and part of a lung to cancer that he would not survive, the teenager went to Utah and skied for 100 days straight.
It was followed by swimming, white water rafting, water skiing, and biking.
Now 36 years later, Rosenberg who is healthy and thriving, has founded six start-up tech companies, earned a PhD and become a grandfather.
Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation Spotlights "NextStep Fitness: Community-based Recovery"
In the fitness world Janne Kouri is what they call an animal... a regular gym rat. He's got an ironman work ethic and a routine so relentless it puts many a serious athlete to shame. Kouri's not just training, though. He's recovering. Before: total paralysis. Now: walking with a walker.
NextStep Fitness' First Chicago Fundraiser
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NextStep Fitness' First Chicago Fundraiser - read Chicago Social Magazine's write up and see the photos from the event. |
NextStep Fundraiser in Washington, DC
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NextStep Fitness Help Make a Difference at Georgetown's Vineyard Vines to raise money for rehab for those with neurological injuries. Three years ago, former Georgetown football star Janne Kouri was paralyzed diving into the ocean in California, and he vowed to walk again - and to help others walk also. Here: Georgetown's Taylor Price, event chair Castellum Capital Advisors founder David Brinkley, NextStep Fitness founder Janne Kouri, and Vineyard Vines co-founder Ian Murray. |
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Georgetown friends: Pat McArdle, Transwestern's Chris Jacobs, Matthew Rienzo, alums Ed Macher and Bruce Simmons, former Athletic Director Frank Rienzo, asst football coach Rob Sgarlata. |
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Blue State Digital's Shelley Crockett, Nathan's Matthew Brown, Strayer's Meg Rodgers, and Georgetown local Holly Cirrito. NextStep was founded in partnership with the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation and the NeuroRecovery Network. |
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Cardiology Association's Kate Hilgartner and The Strata Group's Annette Walters. |
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Supporters Abby Huke and Booz Allen's Porsha Hands. |
Good Morning America Video
A Chance to Walk Again - New Therapy Helped Janne Kouri Walk Again, Inspired Him to Help Others
New Mobility: The Magazine for Active Wheelchair Users
LOCAL FITNESS FACILITY CHANGES LIVES
NEXT STEP BRINGS SOUTH BAY TOGETHER FOR
ITS FIRST ANNUAL HERMOSA BEACH FUNDRAISER
Hermosa Beach, CA - March 30, 2009- NextStep, a non-profit rehabilitative fitness facility (www.nextstepfitness.org), announces its First Annual Hermosa Beach Fundraiser. This event will be held on April 30, 2009 at 7:30pm at Sangria Restaurant in Hermosa Beach. The event will kick off with an action packed live BMX Show by Team Soil, a group of elite BMX professionals. The show is free to the public and will take place behind Fat Face Fenner's Fishshack at 7:00pm.
There will be a VIP event at Bo Bridges photography gallery and an evening of live music, dancing, food, raffles and fun with friends and family at Sangria Restaurant. Special performances by Wayward Sons, Hollywood's infamous "Arena Rock" cover band and other entertaining activities will create a truly exciting evening.
The event is designed to unite the South Bay around a wonderful and needed cause, increasing awareness of disabled members of the area and raising funds that will enable NextStep to continue delivering essential fitness services to the disabled citizens of the local communities. NextStep is a state-of-the-art outpatient fitness center that brings the most cutting edge training methods, procedures, and technologies to rehabilitation for spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury victims in the greater Los Angeles County. NextStep's clients come from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds; therefore NextStep offers its services at a fraction of what it costs to have the clients at the facility. This is the reason NextStep relies on charitable donations to operate.
NextStep Fitness was established by Hermosa local, Janne Kouri in June 2008 through a partnership with the Neurorecovery Network (NRN) and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Janne Kouri, fractured his C5 & C6 vertebrae when diving into the ocean from the Manhattan Beach shoreline in August 2006 and in an instant was paralyzed from the neck down. After two months in ICU at Cedars-Sinai, Janne and his wife Susan traveled to Louisville, KY to participate in Locomotor Training, a cutting edge rehabilitation therapy for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Locomotor Training is an activity-based therapy that attempts to retrain the spinal cord to "remember" the pattern of walking again. NextStep continues in operation today as the only community-based fitness facility specifically designed to enhance the recovery, wellness, and function of individuals in a cost effective manner. It is the only Locomotor Training Center west of Houston.
"The South Bay should take pride in having such a facility within this region and being the unique national beacon from which similar efforts can be established throughout the nation." says Reggie Edgerton, a Co-Chair and Professor of Physiological Science and a member of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA.
Janne Kouri adds, "I am truly thankful for the support we have received from the community and look forward to working together with the local businesses, city officials, community leaders & citizens, to help the disabled in the South Bay get the care they need."
NextStep Fitness is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID # 26-0678238)
Video about NextStep
View a video of Janne taking his 1st steps with a walker
View news spots and other videos on the NextStep Fitness YouTube page.
Please also visit us on YouTube & Facebook
NextStep Fitness featured on So-Cal News (Time Warner Cable)
Jeri Reeder of SoCal News does a feature on NextStep Fitness.
Paralyzed local creates a fitness center for the disabled
The Beach Reporter, By Eric Michael Stitt, Published July 3, 2008
After an accident left Hermosa Beach resident Janne Kouri paralyzed from the neck down, he realized there was a dearth of local facilities to help him cope with his debilitating condition.
So he founded NextStep Fitness, a nonprofit fitness center for people who are dealing with physical disabilities.
Read Article
New Rehab Facilty Helps Officer Ripatti
CBS Channel 2
New Rehab Facilty Helps Officer Ripatti
...wounded in the line of duty, is using this new rehab facility Next Step to make remarkable gains. Stacey Butler reports.
View the video of NextStep on CBS here!
Taking Steps To Recover
DailyBreeze.com, By Melissa Evans, Published May 27, 2008
Hermosa man works to create a fitness center for the disabled
Two trainers grab hold of his feet, bending and flexing with each step as Janne Kouri walks on a fast-moving treadmill.
Two other trainers brace each side of his torso, making sure his body stays straight. Another stands in front of him, holding his arms, and a sixth trainer stabilizes Kouri from behind.
Read Article
Gym helps spinal patients regain a healthy life
(EasyReader) by Danny Brown, Published May 8, 2008
It happened at the Manhattan Beach Six Man tournament. Janne Kouri was rallying on the beach volleyball court, setting and spiking the ball with his friends, all 30-somethings with college degrees, steady jobs and fiances. They were dressed as glam-rockers from the '80s-tight shorts, long hair, glitter. To cool off between matches, Kouri took a swim in the ocean. He sprinted toward the water and dove in. He never saw the sand bar that broke his spine. Read Article
New Gym for Physically-Challenged Opens in Lawndale, CA
(Life Rolls on Foundation)
NextStep Fitness is now accepting memberships to its newly unveiled state-of-the-art, specialized gym in Lawndale, California. Featuring fully accessible and adaptive equipment, NextStep Fitness is a non-profit organization that offers personalized fitness and wellness programs for the underserved community of para- and tetraplegics as well as others with neurological impairments in greater Los Angeles County. Read Article
NextStep partnering with Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Fitness facility for physically challenged adults to bring innovative Locomotor Training to the area (May, 2008, Lawndale, CA) --- NextStep Fitness, a California non-profit that provides fully accessible and adaptive equipment for physically challenged adults, will celebrate the opening of its new 3600 sq/ft. facility on June 5, 2008. Read Article
Open for Fitness!
NextStep is open to begin supporting your fitness needs. Please feel free to stop in to see the facility or call to set up an evaluation appointment to join.
Fitness facility for physically challenged adults to bring innovative Locomotor Training to the area NextStep partnering with Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
(May, 2008, Lawndale, CA) --- NextStep Fitness, a California non-profit that provides fully accessible and adaptive equipment for physically challenged adults, will celebrate the opening of its new 3600 sq/ft. facility on June 5, 2008.
NextStep was created to deliver essential fitness services to the underserved community of para- and tetraplegics, as well as others with neurological impairments, in greater Los Angeles County. NextStep strives to improve levels of independence and quality of life through personalized fitness and wellness programs -- designed by both the client and trained staff.
In addition to activity-based exercise regiments, NextStep will be the first community-based fitness facility to offer the cutting-edge Locomotor Training to clients through a partnership with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Locomotor Training, an innovative intervention that helps individuals with gait impairments, has been proven to contribute to improved cardiovascular and pulmonary function, boosts the healing potential of the skin, helps increase bone density, and may improve bladder function.
NextStep president Janne Kouri suffered a paralyzing diving injury in August 2006, fracturing C5 and C6 vertabrae. He used Locomotor Training and activity-based exercise programs at a Kentucky-based facility to regain muscle strength, movement and general better health post his injury.
"Being the first in-patient to ever participate in the program, I was obviously slightly anxious and nervous," Mr. Kouri said. "But before I knew it, my toes started to wiggle and with each week I experienced more and more movement in my legs. Within a month I was able to step for an hour at a time with the assistance of my trainers. My health dramatically improved; my blood pressure, my overall strength and muscle tone, my cardio endurance, as well as my mental strength. Simply put, it felt great to stand up and "walk" again."
Upon returning home, Kouri was surprised at the lack of advanced fitness training options in California for individuals with disabilities. Janne and his wife Susan decided to create NextStep Fitness with the goal of affordable, client-focused fitness programs and researched-based training techniques.
NextStep will also offer Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bicycles for its members. RT300 FES cycles have been proven to relax muscle spasms, prevent or retard disuse atrophy, increase local blood circulation, and maintain or even increase range of motion.
The public is invited to NextStep's grand opening on June 5th.
For more information:
Susan Moffat, vice-president, NextStep
310-546-5666
management@nextstepfitness.org
Geneva Youel, newsPRos
213-457-6437
geneva@newspros.com