From USS Saratoga to Spinal Cord Injury: Izzy’s Story of Survival

From USS Saratoga to Spinal Cord Injury: Izzy’s Story of Survival

In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Izzy for a powerful and deeply human conversation about survival, service, and rebuilding life after unimaginable turning points. Izzy shares his time in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) during the era of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, reflecting on the intensity of military life and the experiences that shaped his early adulthood. He also recounts a life-altering moment at just 19 years old a split second decision to step out of a ferry line that ultimately saved his life when the ferry sank, claiming the lives of 21 sailors, some of them his friends. Years later, after building a full life and career, Izzy faced another defining moment: a spinal cord tumor at the T1 level that led to paralysis. A second MRI confirmed the diagnosis, forcing him to rebuild his understanding of identity, independence, and purpose from the ground up. This conversation explores survival, loss, faith, military service, and what it truly means to adapt when life changes without warning. Izzy’s story is one of resilience not just in surviving life’s hardest moments, but in continuing to move forward after them. Tune in for an episode that reminds us how quickly life can change, and how powerful it is when we choose to keep going. Facebook: Isidro Sanchez IG: izysanchez69 Custom Embroidery i.j.embroidery423@gmail,com [i.j.embroidery423@gmail,com] Support Veteran Owned Business

Catching Up with Eric: Remembering Mom, Mental Health, and Moving Forward

Episode Description In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we reconnect with Eric as he shares life updates since his last appearance on the show, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the impact it has had on his mental health journey. Together, we have an honest conversation about grief, depression, resilience, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced within the disability community. Eric opens up about navigating life after spinal cord injury while coping with loss, the importance of seeking support, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. This episode is a reminder that strength isn't just about overcoming physical obstacles—it's also about facing emotional struggles and continuing to move forward one day at a time. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting a loved one, or dealing with your own mental health challenges, Eric's story offers insight, encouragement, and hope. We wrap up the episode with a fun and engaging rapid-fire Q&A session featuring Eric and the Quad Father, covering everything from life lessons and personal reflections to a few laughs along the way. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, mental health, and the power of community. Facebook: Eric Rodriguez IG: wcroundtable2025

From Bedbound to Champion: Michael Divel’s Comeback Story

At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users. Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship. We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared. This episode is about resilience, pressure wound awareness, adaptive sports, mental toughness, and the relentless mindset required to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Please welcome Michael Divel. Facebook: Michael Divel IG: wcroundtable2025

“Get Up, Mom” – Alma Lee’s Fight for Survival

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Corpus Christi TX native Alma Lee Garcia, a disability advocate whose life changed forever at just 24 years old after surviving a violent home invasion. Alma was shot in the neck with a 9mm round that entered the left front side of her neck and exited through her right scapula, leaving her with a T6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Doctors at Memorial Hospital gave her only 18–24 hours to live as she remained in a coma for a week. But everything changed when she heard the voice of her son saying, “Get up, mom.” That moment sparked her fight for survival. Alma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including living with autonomic dysreflexia, navigating mental health struggles, and learning to accept a completely new way of life. She shares the daily realities of living with a spinal cord injury while finding strength, purpose, and resilience through advocacy and community involvement. We also discuss her work with WAVE in Corpus Christi, where she continues to empower and advocate for individuals with disabilities throughout South Texas. As someone from our own backyard here in Corpus Christi, Alma brings an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation that will leave listeners inspired by her perseverance and determination. Facebook: Alma Lee IG: almalee_361

Real Talk About Physical Therapy Careers | PTA vs DPT with Henry Falcon PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS

We are joined by Henry C. Falcon, JR., PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS, and take a deep dive into the world of Physical Therapy — from the evolution of the profession in the 1990s to where it’s headed in today’s healthcare landscape. Henry shares his journey into PT, the lessons learned over decades in the field, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in rehabilitation. The conversation breaks down the real differences between the PTA and DPT paths, including schooling, scope of practice, pay scales, burnout, and the realities clinicians face in today’s healthcare system. SJ brings valuable insight into the DPT perspective while Henry offers the experienced voice of someone who has worked across multiple settings and built his own practice. The crew also discusses the future growth of the Rio Grande Valley medical community, opportunities for young professionals entering healthcare, and what employers are really looking for in new graduates. The episode closes with a fun Q&A session where Rico opens up about what inspired him to start The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast and the mission behind giving healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates a platform to share real stories and real experiences. Whether you’re a student considering Physical Therapy, a clinician navigating the profession, or someone passionate about the future of healthcare in the RGV, this episode delivers honest insight, education, and laughs along the way. Henrycfalcon@msn.com [Henrycfalcon@msn.com] IG: wcroundtable2025