Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation

11/01/2026

🧙‍♀️🐾 **HOCUS POCUS… LET'S GET FOCUSED!** 🎃

Dora the Cute Therapy Witch has been brewing up a special potion of smiles, motivation, and a little rehabilitation magic! ✨

Her secret ingredients? **Four** paws, a wagging tail, a whole lot of love, and enough bewitching cuteness to make even the toughest therapy session a little less *ruff*! 🐶💜

**No tricks, just treats and therapy magic!**

Happy Howl-o-ween from Dora! 🐾🎃👻
& the Next Steps Team!

10/23/2026

🔬 Advancing Neurorecovery Through Research & Innovation! 🧠⚡

Next Steps Chicago is proud to highlight a scientific poster presentation at the University of Minnesota Neuromodulation Symposium, presented by Mary Jones, PT, DHS, NCS, CSRS, CLT, and Elizabeth Macdonald, SPT, representing Governors State University and Next Steps Chicago.

📊 Presentation Highlight:
Measurable Neurorecovery Observed 10 Years Post C1 AIS A Spinal Cord Injury

This case report explores the use of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with activity-based physical therapy in an individual living with a chronic, complete high cervical spinal cord injury.

Following 13 weeks of intervention, measurable changes were observed across multiple domains, including motor function, sensory function, trunk control, autonomic function, and respiratory function.

✨ This work highlights the importance of continued research into neuromodulation and intensive, activity-based rehabilitation—and the potential for meaningful change even years after a severe spinal cord injury.

At Next Steps Chicago, we believe in challenging the status quo, advancing evidence-informed rehabilitation, and continually exploring new possibilities to improve function, independence, and quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.

👏 Congratulations to Mary and Elizabeth for contributing to the growing body of research advancing the future of neurorehabilitation!

10/16/2026

🍂✨ NEXT STEPS FORWARD FUNDS PossABILITY! ✨🍂

Join us for Next Steps Forward: A Night for Wellness & Innovation an inspiring fall evening celebrating the power of compassionate care, groundbreaking technology, and community!

💛 One evening. A world of possibilities. A brighter future.

📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Lodge | Hinsdale, IL

🍁 Enjoy an evening featuring:
🤖 Advanced neuro-rehabilitation technology demonstrations
💡 Innovations in adaptive fitness, wellness, and evidence-based practice
🥂 Delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages
🎶 Music, meaningful connections, and an inspiring community atmosphere

🧡Your generosity makes possABILITIES real!

100% of event proceeds directly support rehabilitation scholarships, technology expansion, and research initiatives at Next Steps Chicago—helping more individuals access innovative neurological rehabilitation and move toward greater independence.

🎟️ Tickets & sponsorship opportunities are available!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer, click the link:Next Steps Forward Ticket to join us, or visit www.nextstepschicago.org/fundraiser

📩 Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]
📞 708-467-0657

Together, let’s celebrate progress, empower wellness, and fund PossABILITY! 🍂💛

10/10/2026

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Morgan! 🎂🎉

The Next Steps Chicago family is excited to celebrate Morgan's special day! 🥳

Morgan is a hardworking and dedicated member of our team who brings inspiration, positivity, and commitment to everyone at Next Steps Chicago. Her contributions and enthusiasm make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone around her, and we are grateful to have her on our team!

Wishing Morgan a birthday filled with happiness, laughter, and all the things that bring her joy. May the year ahead be filled with continued success, new opportunities, and wonderful moments both personally and professionally! 🎈✨

Join us in wishing Morgan a very Happy Birthday! 🎉💖💖

🎂

10/01/2026

A Century of Progress. A Future of Possibility.
October is National Physical Therapy Month.

From the early rehabilitation pioneers known as Reconstruction Aides of the 1920s, helping injured soldiers and individuals affected by polio, to today's highly specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation programs, physical therapy has spent more than a century restoring movement, independence, and hope.

The profession continued to evolve through decades of innovation, with National Physical Therapy Month first celebrated in 1992 to increase awareness of the life-changing impact of physical therapy.

Today, in 2026, we celebrate not only how far we've come—but where we're going.

At Next Steps of O'Connor Foundation, we see determination become achievement every day. Whether taking first steps with advanced gait technology, rebuilding strength after neurological injury, or rediscovering independence through innovative rehabilitation, our clients remind us that recovery is not defined by limitations—it is defined by possibility.

The faces of physical therapy have changed over the last century, but the mission remains the same:

Restore movement. Inspire hope. Change lives.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month to the physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, rehabilitation specialists, caregivers, and courageous clients who make every step forward possible!

1920 → 2026
A Century of Movement.
A Future of Possibility.

09/28/2026

Myth: A spinal cord injury defines what you can accomplish.

Reality: Every journey is different, and there is so much more to the story. 💚

For Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, we asked members of the Next Steps Chicago community to help us bust some common myths by sharing things they’ve accomplished since their injuries.

Their experiences are a reminder that progress can take many forms, goals can keep evolving, and life after spinal cord injury is filled with possibilities worth recognizing.

This month, we’re celebrating the determination, independence, growth, and individual achievements of the SCI community.

What’s a myth about life with a spinal cord injury that you’d like to bust?

09/08/2026

September 8 is ! 🌎💪🏾 This years global focus is stroke and cardiovascular health.
At we see firsthand how the body, brain, and heart can adapt, repair, recover and heal.

Whether you are recovering from a stroke, managing a chronic neurological condition, or working to improve your balance and mobility, specialized neuro PT can be the key to unlocking your potential!

Movement of all types is medicine for your brain and heart! 💓 Did you know that 30 minutes of exercise-5 days a week - can decrease your risk of stroke by over 25%?

Happy World PT Day! Let’s keep moving boundaries and redefining recovery!❤️‍🩹

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

🧠💪 SEPTEMBER IS SPINAL CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH 💪🦽

Spinal cord injury changes lives—but it does not define a person’s potential.

This month, we recognize the strength, resilience, determination, and accomplishments of people living with spinal cord injury. We also celebrate the families, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and communities working every day to create new possibilities.

At Next Steps Chicago, we believe rehabilitation is more than restoring movement. It’s about:

✨ Building strength and confidence
🧠 Challenging the nervous system
🦽 Maximizing independence and mobility
❤️ Supporting meaningful participation in life
🎯 Setting goals that matter to each individual
🔬 Rejecting the status quo and pursuing new possibilities

Every person. Every injury. Every recovery journey is different.

Progress may look different than expected—but progress is possible.

This Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, let’s continue to raise awareness, advance research, improve accessibility, and—most importantly—listen to the people living with SCI.

Together, we can redefine what’s possible.