stitute special education teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District. Dan is now using the Ekso with Variable Assist software. This next generation of Ekso technology lets therapists augment their patients’ strength by tuning the amount of power contributed to help walking efforts for either leg. Good Shepherd is the first health-care organization in North America to receive the software. They say that behind every successful man is a great woman, and in Dan’s case, there’s a whole group of them. In 2012, members of the Women’s Giving Circle at Good Shepherd, made a $43,000 gift establishing the Ekso Scholarship which helps Ekso users like Dan stay consistent with their therapy when there’s a gap in medical benefit coverage.
miles per hour. Among her most serious injuries was a fractured skull, a concussion and a broken nose. “Something like that changes your outlook entirely when you’re down and out and unable to do for yourself,” says Pat. Dan and Csala both know the steps they took to find one another were the first of many in a life together that will only get stronger. “Csala and I were both excited and thankful for the opportunity to use the Ekso at our wedding,” says Dan. “Using the Ekso to walk makes me feel like me again.” Emily Eider contributed to this article.
Pat Lockard, chair of the Women’s Circle, brings her own unique perspective to the gift. In 1970, 10 days before her own wedding, Pat was on her way to pick up her mother’s shoes for the wedding when her car was rear-ended by another car at 35 Below: Csala and Dan Beers with Pat Lockard, chair, the Women’s Giving Circle
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