#228 A Father’s Courageous ICU Advocacy with Mike Uppenkamp

Blink of an Eye

#228 A Father’s Courageous ICU Advocacy with Mike Uppenkamp

This episode features Mike Uppenkamp. Mike is a vital member of BLINK of an Eye’s rapid response HEAL team network in the San Diego/Los Angeles area and an SCI Navigator. His advocacy journey began in 2019 when his son Alex was paralyzed from the chest down in a mountain biking accident—an event Mike describes as a "hard right turn" in the lives of their family. The family faced the challenges of ICU care, rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, and adapting their home for accessibility together. Realizing that many others lack the same support, Mike became dedicated to providing immediate bedside assistance to SCI families, offering hope, advocacy, and practical guidance in the critical early days following injury. This episode is full of raw truths about the ICU experience for SCI families and insights and tips for families, friends and nurses and medical staff, all who are needed for the care of a catastrophic injury.

Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non-Profit:

A non-profit created as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families and medical teams in the first days and weeks of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams have SCI expertise. Blink of an Eye non profit provides a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and medical teams. Blink of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Family Navigation & Support Team for SCI families lead by SCI families and SCI medical experts who provide 24/7 support in the first 30 days of crisis and for transitions in the Miracle Year. Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury--what you need to know/say/do specialized for SCI families, friends and medical staff. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org.

To find out more about Louise and this podcast visit: www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com, www.BeingRelational.com

www.BaltimoreMediation.com

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by New Mobility:

For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. Please visit https://newmobility.com/ to learn more

Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation:

To find out more about learning relational advocacy and mediation skills for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult conversations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram for mediators to know themselves.