Maddi, Age 30
Maddi was able to open and close her fingers for the first time in 8 years – eventually, with precision and intention.
Maddi’s story is one of exceptional resilience. In May 2017, at the age of 22, she suffered a devastating stroke that left her paralyzed on her dominant side. For years, she fought to reclaim her independence through traditional rehabilitation, with limited results. In May 2025, she participated in her first NeuroAnimation’s program which sparked a breakthrough.
“I didn’t expect to make such meaningful gains this far out,” Maddi shared. “But I did — and it’s changed how I think about my future.”
Maddi made extraordinary gains including:
- Typing: Unable -> 3 words per minute
- Grip Strength: 4.8 lbs -> 12.8 lbs (165% more)
- Cognitive Assessment: 410 -> 511 (25% improvement)
What this meant practically is she was able to open doors for the first time, and also begin to move her fingers in a way she had never before.
But we were just getting started.
After Maddi’s first program, she participated as a beta-user in our at-home program. She then returned for another 3 week bootcamp. At that time, she maintained all of her motor gains, and further improved her grip strength at the initial assessment . It was up 2 lbs.
What happened after second bootcamp was truly miraculous. For the first time, Maddi developed a completely new thumb and middle-finger pincer movement. Her wrist completely straightened. She was able to pick up tiny dice, and hold a sustained grip of a dumbbell and raise it over her head.
Maddi has now completed a third bootcamp — and her progress continues to build. She has developed more refined finger individuation, with increasing control and precision across individual digits. Each phase of progress has layered on top of the last, rather than plateauing, allowing her function to compound over time.
What once seemed like isolated breakthroughs are now becoming integrated, reliable movements — continuing to expand what’s possible for her independence and daily life.
