Surprise visit by Komo 4 News

Tuesday I was contacted by Molly Shen from KOMO 4 News who is doing a Christmas Special on the Wounded Warrior Project in WA. She wanted to add a piece on myself and my use of the "Genium" which was the first military grade prosthetic knee built by Ottobock. The portion I will be apart of will show how the government funding for building these military grade prosthetics not only allow those wounded soldiers to return back to duty in the field, but also benefits the public as well! it is going to be such a great story so once I hear more about when it will air I will post the information on here as well.
We filmed my Badminton course and how I'm able to still teach physical education with the help of the Genium. Following class, Molly then accompanied me to my last training session before my Powerlifting meet this Saturday.
We went to Ellensburg's only Crossfit gym in town owned by a friend of mine, Taylor Clark.
Molly filmed me performing tire flips, rope climb, kettle bells with the Genium and 1 legged Deadlift, and 1 legged squats without it.
Followed by that we had our FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Christmas ugly sweater part and gift exchange. Overall a great day in Ellensburg!

Altoona - Day 2

Woke up at 530 am ET bright am early to leave Pittsburg and drive 2 hours to Altoona.
Similar to Day 1, we had 4 amputees to work with starting from 8 am clear to 3 pm. What we did was swapped the amputees knee out for the Genium and had them trial run it than swapped them back into their previous knee.
I had the privilege to work with 2 veterans and 2 others who were amputated to to a bad accident.
Both veterans were such a pleasure to work with and loved the knew. One gentleman was amputated from WWII and was so uplifting and motivated, it was a true pleasure to listen to his stories he shared with me of being an amputee and being a full part of the growth of technology!
The third gentleman I worked with in the afternoon was a cross country runner who endured a terrible infection that lead to many surgeries with the final result being his above knee amputation. He was amputated at an early age as well and now being in his 50s all he's wanted is to run again, but has not had a prosthetic that e could trust to do so. Once we swapped his legs we took him outside to try in out and he at first was very apprehensive, so nervous and overall scared to trust the knee enough to place any of his body weight into. I then walked around with him and coached him through using the knee and he slowly became more comfortable. I then brought with up a short grassy hill that was wet to walk down with him. He was terrified at first because his other knee would collapse on him causing him to fall every time. So I again coached him on how to ride the knee down and as he tried with me he threw out his arms to balance and I grabbed onto his hand and held it as we descending the hill together. Once reaching the bottom he was so relieved he was instantly brought to tears.. I was so touched! This man has not been able to walk comfortably for 30 years and to see him light up and cry because he is so thankful is Priceless. It brought me back to the time where I took my very first steps after loosing my leg.. Brings me to tears every time including now!
I am so excited for these amputees to hopefully receive their own Genium cause I know just by working with then for 2 hours, it will change their lives so much for the better!
After the last patient we said our goodbyes and loaded up for the 5 hour drive to Philadelphia. Slept the entire drive and got to the hotel around 730 where once we checked in we left for dinner by 8. We went to the sushi restaurant The Fat Salmon, which was amazing!
Since my accident I made a promise to myself to never give up, never say never and never look back! With food I wanted to not hold back and try everything at least once giving myself a chance to experience something that I came so close to never having the chance to. By holding myself to this I no love All food in some sort of way, especially sushi! For this trip I finally tried eel for the first time and oh my goodness have I been missing out!! Following a great dinner we went back to the hotel for the night where I had the chance to sleep in that following morning.

Trip to the EastCoast!

Day 1-
Began at 6 am where we drive into the heart of downtown Pittsburg to Hanger Prosthetics office where we worked with 3 amputees. 2 were looking to be fitted with the Genium (same MP Knee as myself) and 1 gentleman that had the Genium for 2 weeks, but was having technical issues with it.
As my fellow amputees were fitted we were able to share our stories where 2 people were torn up by machinery they were working on, one at a saw mill and the other a steel mill. The man trying the Genium for the first time went on a good 30 minute walk with me outside on the unlevel and sketchy streets while we shared life stories with each other, something I've never had the chance to do! The 1 woman I worked with was in a motto cycle accident with her husband where a car had hit them and both had to be airlifted to the nearest hospital and the woman had the same side amputation as myself, but at the age of 47!
Let me tell you this woman was so motivated and driven and as soon as she began to walk with the Genium on she lit up the room even more!
Following the last fitting we drove straight to the hospital where we set up to give a presentation to 60+ individuals that included surgeons, prosthetists, physical therapists and aka amputees.
The presentation was a mixture of PowerPoint, speaking and demonstrating followed by Q&A. Had a great presentation then during Questions I had many people ask how to perform certain acts with the Genium and everyone loved when I performed my 1 legged squat from the floor to stand up!
I also met a fellow Powerlifter who is retired and opening up an amputee ballroom dance studio in Pittsburg, which I am so bummed I won't be able to try out due to living so far away!
We ended the night by driving up the hill to see the skyline at night.

JUDGEMENT DAY

The title says it all, "Judgement Day!"
Tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern Time I will be attempting my new personal record that you will have to watch to find out what that is!
The 2 links to the live stream of the show are:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/xptv
http://www.unation.com/XtremePowerTV
This morning I'm waking up with a pretty tight lower back and right Rhomboid from traveling and a sprained left wrist. I will be rolling out my back with a trigger point roller and a lacrosse ball once I get to Elizabethton High where the meet is being held.  As for the wrist I will be taping it and hoping for the best :)
I also will be throwing on my old squat suit to see if it could give me some more back and hip support on my right side, but due to the bad circulation in my right (lifting) leg I might not be able to compete in it.
I will have video and photos to share soon!

STAY TUNED FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND  WORLD!!!

4 days until the Night of The Living Dead Pro Competition!!!
My coach, Kevin Stewart, and I will be flying out Thursday night from Seatac and will arrive Friday morning in Johnson City, Tennessee!!

Last year's was my first and unforgettable experience competing at this meet!
I pulled 171 lbs. for the first time single-leg, setting my new Personal Record and changing lives in the crowd!
This year we're going big!! I'm not sure how big, but all I can state is that I will be opening with my first lift as heavy or even heavier than 171!!
Here is the video teaser premier for 2012 NOTLD.. and I made the cut with PRO Vincent Urbank!!

The show will be streamed live and as soon as I get the link for the Ustream page for us I will post it for all of you to see!!

Please share and don't forget I will be "Lifting for Limbs!" My online fundraiser for children's prosthetics charity will end Sunday at midnight following the NOTLD meet Saturday night.  www.indiegogo.com/HelpFundAliMcWeeny
Please help share the Fundraiser as much as possible so we can get prosthetic limbs for children who deserve to run and be active!!

How To Video for Amputees

Here is my first "how to" video I've made for amputees with an option for cardio.  I know the quality is a little shaky and I do apologize about that, I plan on getting a tripod soon!

Check it out, share it, and please feel free and comfortable to give me feedback!

36 DAYS Until the NOTLD Deadlift Competition

Training yesterday went great considering it was also the first day of starting the Advocare 24-day challenge. I chose to take the challenge to utilize the benefits of cleansing my body and replenishing myself.  This summer was sporadic which made it very difficult to be on a set cooking diet and lifting schedule since I had to travel so much, so this should help boost me before the deadlift meet!

For training yesterday I hit some light Deadlifts
setsXrepsXweight
5x6-7x115 no belt, with knee sleeve
then ended my session with 1 set of 10x115 and felt great.

Todays Day 2 for the Advocare challenge and Cardio/upper body day!

UPDATE on the Fundraiser!
We have reached $9,700 with 37 days left to raise as much as possible to donate to a children's prosthetics charity.  This charity I have chosen to donate to is built for child amputees who cannot afford a 2nd prosthetic to play sports and be active in.  The best way to look at an amputee's one prosthetic leg and why it can't be used for fun is if you see it as "dress shoes". When you have a pair of dress shoes or work shoes, those are for that only and are not sturdy enough to be played on.  So when we have to fundraise for a second or even third prosthetic leg it is like getting different types of shoes for certain activities.. but thousands of dollars more expensive!
Please continue to Help Us!!
www.indiegogo.com/helpfundAliMcWeeny

PROSTHETIC APPOINTMENT TODAY!!

In about an hour I'll be driving to Cornerstone Prosthetics in Everett for my new socket!! The socket is the upper port of the pros. leg that keeps it attached to my leg, the piece on the right side of this photo below.

Since my amputation, I've had difficulties with my socket for 3 years now due to the continuance of muscle growth, causing my size to fluctuate.

This new design is projected to be better for me and hopefully will allow me to begin running again, which I haven't since my accident.

Following the appointment I'll be going to watch the Seahawks STOMP the Raiders (sorry Arostegui and KJI/Kayla Griess=both die hard Raider Nation)!!

Once I get back to Ellensburg I'll have an updated picture of the new socket!

45 Days To Go for The Night of The Living Dead! NOTLD 2012!!

Training yesterday went okay, had tightness throughout right hip which tried to ruin the lift.
5x5-6x115lbs. with belt and knee sleeve
1x5x115lbs. without belt, but with knee sleeve

Roll out session before and after for 10 mins each.

UPDATE ON FUNDRAISER FOR PROSTHETICS FOR CHILDREN WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEM FOR ATHLETICS..

UP TO $9,600 AS OF 9 AM TODAY!!!!!
46 DAYS LEFT FOR THE FUNDRAISER AND SOOO EXCITED TO RAISE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO DONATE TO CHARITY!! CANNOT WAIT TO GIVE IT ALL TO THESE KIDS!!

SPREAD THE WORD!

www.indiegogo.com/helpfundalimcweeny

49 Days Until NOTLD

Yesterday's training session:
5x5-6x115 Fully Deads with belt and knee sleeve.
  - After last 2 sets I took off the belt and burned out with 5 more reps making 7     sets overall.
Roll out sesh on PVC pipe on right leg after every set.
3x8-10x10lb plate Deep squats till failure.
3x10 non weighted hyperextension, felt pretty weak, but that could've been after the amount of Dead sets.
10 min. Roll out session.

Overall felt great, form was 90% solid on deadlift so that made the lift easy.

-Today-
Cardio Spin bike for 45 mins
Ab Circuit
Stretch and Roll out

51 Days Out From NOTLD Competition

Yesterday's training:
Gym:
20 minutes spin bike cardio with the ankle weight strapped to my left limb.
10 minutes abs with ankle weight strapped onto left limb.
20 minutes spin bike cardio with ankle weight.
3x8 deep 1 legged squats with 10lb. plate held out in front locked out arms
3x21 bicep 21's; 7 low, 7 high, 7 all the way. 10 lbs. and 8 lbs.
3x10 deep triceps press 16lbs.
10 minute roll out session on the PVC pipe
Pool:
50m freestyle
150m pull
25m freestyle
3x15 dips on side of pool in/out of water
2x1min. wade in water with only right foot
2x1min. tread in water with only hands
Stretch

Today's training will consist of medium weight Deads with Hyperextensions (low back) and swimming to follow. I'll post after I complete it!

Fund For a New Leg!

http://igg.me/p/201812?a=1012124

Fundraising for a new leg!

My name is Ali McWeeny, 24 year old athlete and above knee amputee. I've played sports my entire life, went off to college to become a coach and Physical Education teacher and collegiate athlete at Central Washington University.
7/4/2009-At the age of 20, as a Jr. at CWU I was in a boating accident that changed my life. I was left with an above knee amputation on my left side and severe damage to my right hamstring and gluteus maximus. My doctors told me I had to change my hobbies (sports) and my career goal (a Physical Education teacher). I refused to do so and now 3 years later I have graduated college with a Physical Education Degree and a Coaching Minor.
My medical insurance only covers one prosthetic leg and that is the one I use for everyday life, coaching, and teaching, but I want to do more!
I have found a prosthetic leg that will allow me to return to the extreme sports I love before my accident; wake boarding, snow boarding, natural rock climbing, surfing, etc.  I'm asking for helping to purchase a new leg and most importantly new life!
Not only will this new prosthetic allow me to return to my extreme sport hobbies, it will also assist my teaching.  With the "new" P.E. that I have been educated to apply includes rock climbing, hiking, geocaching, watersports, etc. This new prosthetic knee will allow me to teach all of these skills to my students without having to worry about water, weather, and heavy resistance damage.  With the prosthesis my insurance covers I cannot risk any sports or activities that could damage or leave the ability of my only prosthetic in question.
What We Need & The Possibilities
The prosthetic knee that this is for is the Bartlett Tendon Universal Knee, designed by professional downhill mountain biker and above knee amputee, Brian Bartlett. Brian works with my prosthetic doctor, Dave Hughes, out of Cornerstone Prosthetics in Everett, Washington.
The price of the leg after taxes is just under $7,000 and I have been told it is worth every penny.  This leg will allow me to return to:
Winter Sports: Snowboarding, Alpine skiing, Telemark skiing, Cross country skiing, and Snow kiting.
Water Sports: Water skiing, Wakeboarding, Wind surfing, Kite boarding, Scuba diving, Swimming, and Surfing.
Summer Sports: Mountain biking, Road cycling, Skate boarding, and Inline skating.
Moto Sports: Moto-cross, Trail riding, and Snowmobile riding.
Rehabilitation: Build muscle, Promote general fitness, Increase active, and quality time with family
This is everything I've been asking for and more!!
All of the funds raised will go straight to the purchase of this leg, but if we raise more than what is needed I plan to give the rest to a charity for others in need of help in getting a prosthetic.
website for the prosthetic: http://leftsideinc.com/
The Impact
After being told I would never compete in the same sports again, I have become the Only girl in the World to compete in Powerlifting fully on one leg without a prosthesis.  My new personal records for my one-legged competitions @ 125 lbs. are Bench-172 lbs., Squat-104 lbs. and Deadlift-204 lbs.  My next competition is in Elizabethton, Tennessee at the Night of The Living Deadlift where all of the best deadlifters in the world come to compete on the same stage. My personal goal will be deadlift 250 lbs. at this meet and my fundraiser will run until the day after this meet, October 13th and end October 14th.
This prosthetic leg will allow me to become the Physical Education teacher that I've aspired to be for so long. With losing my leg when I was only half way finished with my teaching degree I could've listened to the doctors and given up, but I didn't. I knew that it would not be easy finishing college and adapting my teaching and life to my new condition, but I conquered that as well. Now I've finished college and soon entering the teaching world all I can think of is what I won't be able to do with my students since my insured prosthetic is so sensitive to being damaged and out of commission.  I have finally found the leg that will allow me to reach any height I want as well as with my students, not holding anyone around me back.
With your help we can make this happen! I am also starting a personal blog very soon that I will be documenting all of my adventures on so you can follow what you've done for me!
Other Ways You Can Help
If you are financially unable to donate, you can help by sharing my story and fundraisers with anyone and everyone you can!!
There is Indiegogo sharing tools to post this on your facebook, twitter, myspace, email, etc. as well.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME!! AND REMEMBER,
NEVER GIVE UP
NEVER LOOK BACK!