NextStep Orlando Paralysis Recovery Center

02/26/2026

At NextStep, physical therapy is about more than movement — it’s about maintaining independence and protecting your long-term health. 💙

For individuals living with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, or paralysis, consistent therapy can help improve circulation, maintain muscle tone, support bone density, reduce spasticity, and prevent secondary complications.

It’s not just about what you can see — it’s about what’s happening beneath the surface. Stronger bodies. Healthier outcomes. More confidence in everyday life.

This is why we show up. Every session matters. 💪

02/25/2026

Wow!! She DID IT!! Schuyler walked 5 rows with me on the airplane!

All of the hard work and targeted therapy specifically for traumatic brain injury and customized for Schuyler is paying off!

And in this case, it saved the day!

We were on our Southwest flights headed back from LA to Tampa and the layover in Texas was already going to be tight. Aside from the fact that we always have to debark the plane absolutely last because of the aisle chair and then be ready to board first (also because of the need for the aisle chair), our first flight was running about 15 minutes behind schedule.

Knowing that it usually takes at least an additional 15 minutes once we pull into the gate for all of the passengers to deplane, that meant that we were looking at a whopping 5-10 minutes to make it to the restroom, get to our next gate, connect with the gate team and board our next flight.

A wee bit hectic for sure!

However.... (!!!), as it turned out, even though the flight number and crew changed, our next flight was actually the same plane out of the same gate.

By coordinating with the amazingly helpful Southwest airline ground and flight crew, I was able to WALK (yes, you're reading that right) Schuyler all the way up 5 rows crossing the galley and into the super tiny bathroom and back!

Even 6 months ago, I don't know that this would have been possible! And we TOTALLY credit this to the work that Schuyler has been putting in at NextStep Orlando Paralysis Recovery Center!

That said, as you may have read, the insurance company considers this type of therapy "optional" and "experimental" even though we are seeing clear improvement.

So... we have until March 21st to cover the cost of another year of therapy: 3 days of sessions per month for 12 months. Each hour runs $100 and we do two-three hours per day! We're at 28% so we're making progress and we're hoping that we'll hit that target!

If you're able to help, the link to the fundraiser is in the comments below!

We're also hoping that as the progress continues, Schuyler will be able to once again walk to use the restroom on a plane. This means that she can travel more freely and that we can get back to sharing even more sparkle with this gorgeous little planet!!

Thanks in advance!

xoxo
Meridith Alexander (and Schuyler)

02/25/2026

🚨 Calling all local businesses, sponsors, and vendors!

Be part of something bigger at NextStep Orlando’s 16th Annual Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon happening Saturday, March 21st from 5–8 PM at Cranes Roost Park 💙

This incredible event brings together families, athletes, and supporters from across our community — and it’s an amazing opportunity to showcase your brand while supporting life-changing recovery programs for individuals living with paralysis.

✨ Get involved, gain visibility, and make a real impact. Vendor booths and sponsorship opportunities are filling fast!

Save your spot today:
👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/16tannwal/

We’d love to have you join us for this unforgettable evening!

02/21/2026

🎉 4 weeks to go!

The countdown is officially on — just ONE MONTH until NextStep Orlando’s 16th Annual Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon and we’re getting more excited every day!

This incredible event brings our community together to walk, roll, and rally in support of individuals living with paralysis as they work toward recovery and independence. Every participant, sponsor, and donation helps create life-changing opportunities inside our gym.

💙 Ready to make an impact? Sign up, donate, or become a sponsor today:
👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/16tannwal/

Let’s make this year bigger, stronger, and more meaningful than ever. We’ll see you at Cranes Roost on March 21st!

02/20/2026

🌟 Thank You to Our Newest GOLD Sponsor! 🌟

We’re proud to welcome Modern Plumbing as a Gold Sponsor for our upcoming event! 🥇✨

Their generous support plays a major role in helping us continue our mission and make a lasting impact in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Partnerships like this truly help move our community forward. 💙

Thank you, Modern Plumbing, for your commitment and for stepping up in a BIG way! We’re so grateful to have you as part of the NextStep Orlando family. 🙌

02/19/2026

02/19/2026

📣 Want to spotlight your business and support a great cause?

We’re now selling event signs for the Walk & Roll-A-Thon for just $100! 🌟

Showcase your company’s logo on signage placed around the lake during the event and help support our mission at the same time. It’s a great way to gain visibility while giving back to the community! 💙

Ready to reserve your sign? Click the link to sign up and purchase:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/16thannualwalk-n-roll-a-thon/event/3-21-26/

We can’t wait to highlight your business at this year’s event! 🙌

02/18/2026

🎉 Sponsors & Vendors — we want YOU at Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon 2026!

Join us for NextStep Orlando’s 16th Annual Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon on Saturday, March 21st from 5–8 PM at Cranes Roost Park for an evening full of community, connection, and impact.

This event brings together hundreds of families, participants, and supporters — making it the perfect place to showcase your business, meet the community, and support a life-changing mission.

💙 Booth and sponsorship spots are limited, so don’t wait — reserve yours today!

Register or become a sponsor here:
👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/16tannwal/

We can’t wait to partner with you and make this our biggest year yet!

02/18/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to our Founder & Executive Director, Liza Perla-Riedel! 🥳🎂

Liza’s passion and dedication inspired the creation of NextStep Orlando after her daughter’s life-changing spinal cord injury — and her vision continues to impact so many individuals and families every day. With more than 15 years of healthcare experience and a heart for serving others, her leadership, strength, and compassion are at the core of everything we do.

Today we celebrate you, Liza — thank you for turning challenges into hope and for leading with purpose every single day. 💙

Join us in wishing Liza a very happy birthday in the comments! 🎈

02/17/2026

✨ BIG thank you to our newest Bronze Sponsor, United Access! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome them to the Next Step Orlando family. Their support helps us continue creating opportunities and making a positive impact in our community — and we’re so grateful to have them on this journey with us 💙

Thank you, United Access, for believing in our mission and helping us take the next step together! 🤝

02/15/2026

Looking for local Central Florida Company Sponsorships for our upcoming event!
SPONSORSHIP LINK: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/16thannualwalk-n-roll-a-thon/event/3-21-26/

02/14/2026

#❤️ We’re feeling the love — and the countdown is ON!

Just 5 weeks until NextStep Orlando’s Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon and we couldn’t be more excited to come together for a cause that means so much to our community.

This Valentine’s season, share the love by walking, rolling, sponsoring, or supporting individuals living with paralysis as they work toward their fullest potential. Every step makes a difference. Every dollar creates impact.

💙 Show your heart and get involved today:
👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/16tannwal/

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on March 21st at Cranes Roost Park!