Gaylord Hospital Robotic Device Helps Man Walk Again

Paralyzed from the chest down after being hit by a car while riding his bike, Michael Loura of Darien hadn’t taken a step for four years—until recently.

Outfitted with a $130,000 robotic device and with cameras flashing, he took steps last month in front of reporters at Wallingford’s Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. He has been undergoing outpatient rehabilitation there for his injuries since 2009.

Gaylord is one of just 20 hospitals worldwide to offer the device, developed by Ekso Bionics of Richmond, Calif. The cost, including a $10,000 annual maintenance fee, is paid for with grants and donations, according to hospital officials. This summer, Gaylord won a $100,000 contest sponsored by the New Haven law firm Stratton Faxon, enabling the facility to purchase the robotic exoskeleton.

To view a video of Loura trying out the device, check out this article in the Middletown Press.