For a near ten and a half million people suffering from paralysis in the United States there is hope that walking may get a lot easier thanks to a new medical device.

For the first time the device is now available in the Northland as LeAnn Wallace reports.

In April of last year life changed dramatically for 35–year old Nicole Kwiatkowski. On a bright spring day the young mother suffered a sudden stroke that left her paralyzed down one side of her body.

“I was scared to go outside, like last summer.
It makes me nervous when I’m not in my home territory.”

Having a stroke was the last thing the healthy young woman ever expected.

“Didn’t think about it the day it happened at all, didn’t think I was having a stroke.”

Nicole survived but life became very difficult especially when it came to taking care of her two children. Seven months ago things got much better when she was fitted for a "walk–aide". It's a gadget that stimulates the nerves and allows her to better control her muscles.

"Going up and down stairs, and just like getting out, and being a normal person again."

The WalkAide has been F–D–A approved for 3–years but is new to the Duluth market.

"It uses electrical stimulators in the inside to produce an electrical impulse in the nerve and provides a toe pick up"

Studies have shown that the WalkAide trains the muscles and those who use it over a period of time are often able to shut off the device for a couple of days and are still able to walk.

"Very functional for people with paralysis, due to traumatic brain injuries, strokes, MS, incomplete spinal cord injuries."

"The WalkAide is approximately the size of an I–pod or a small cell phone, which allows patients a more cosmetic and pleasurable experience walking."

“I'm more active and not afraid to get up anymore. It just got me outside a lot more."

Nicole now enjoys more time with her two kids and husband.
They too have noticed a huge change in her abilities.

"Sometimes my son will be like slow down, be careful, and my daughter too.

And as far as her plans for the summer...

"Just hope my golf game gets a little better."

In Duluth, LeAnn Wallace, the Northlands News Center.

Hanger prosthetics and Orthotics in Duluth is holding a free evaluation clinic tomorrow.

A specialist will be on hand to talk with those interested, and allow them to try a WalkAide to see if it's right for them.