Partners in Service Part 1

PhD Program Overview

Cindy and Eunice applied for an eight-year PhD Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, located in Provo, Utah. The program was created for Physical Therapy students who were working full-time and could attend classes while employed. They both liked reading and studying and they supported each other in study efforts and encouraged one another. One of the requirements of the PhD Program in Pediatric Science was a project that would benefit patient services and highlight the opportunities of the Physical Therapy profession. Eunice was interested in serving in China and got involved with a non-profit group providing education and mobility services to the Tibetans. She submitted her proposal to the PhD Department Chair, which was accepted. Cindy also needed a project to be involved in, and the PhD Department Chair let her join in. “We were so grateful that she was also approved to work with me internationally,” says Eunice.

Discovering Each Other

While traveling to the Tibetan Region of China, Eunice learned a lot about Cindy. The first stop was in Chengdu, where they were paired up as roommates. The first night, when Cindy opened her luggage, all Eunice saw were granola bars, protein bars, and power bars. Cindy had told her that she had a sensitive stomach and may not be able to eat foods of other cultures, so she traveled with a month's supply of these healthy bars to eat. “This made me realize that she really sacrificed her ‘food preference’ to be able to do this first wheelchair mobility project with me.” The second thing she learned was that Cindy was very practical. She only brought a few sets of clothes to wear for work, usually REI, and washed them every night so that she would have enough change of clothes.

Collaborative Learning Experience

After Cindy enjoyed the first trip, she went on two additional trips with Eunice. They would spend the first week teaching special education teachers from China about children with special needs, focusing on children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Brachial Plexus Injuries, and delayed development. Eunice’s spouse served as their translator during this time. On their third trip traveling to China, they agreed to visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing after completing their work. Cindy, being very athletic, had no problem climbing up and down the many steps on the Great Wall. Eunice, on the other hand, had a knee problem and knew she may not be able to complete the long trek along the Great Wall. Cindy would not accept no as an answer. She gave Eunice her walking stick and encouraged her to take her time. “I was thankful I made the climb and trek with her even though my legs were hurting me. If she did not encourage me along the way, I may have never attempted to do the Great Wall by myself.”

If you would like to donate to the Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund, head to our donate page.

Resources

https://www.cindymilesfund.org/

https://www.kit.org/inclusion-in-playgrounds/