At 27, Magnolia resident Kacey Kroeger suffered a massive brain injury in an auto accident.
But instead of acquiescing to a life of self-pity and lowered expectations, Kroeger turned her experience into something that would help hundreds of people.
The Plus One Foundation in Magnolia, just over a year old, assists children and adults with neurological injury, disorder or disease to achieve goals and expand opportunities by offering education, rehabilitation and training.
“I didn’t have health insurance and realized what a struggle it is to access therapy,” Kroeger said, co-founder of the foundation. “I wanted to make sure everyone can have this. I said to myself, ‘You know what, I want to start a nonprofit that helps with neurological diseases or disorders’. And we worked really hard.”
While the classes are rarely covered by insurance, the foundation offered a six-week class in April and May free of charge – a course that used the MELT Method. MELT is an acronym for Myofascial Energetic Length Technique.
“The MELT Method is a simple self-treatment technique that prevents and relieves pain, reduces the risk of injury, and improves flexibility, mobility and posture,” said Nikki Naab-Levy, facilitator of Plus One Foundation’s MELT Method workshop.
The method was designed to simulate the techniques and results of hand therapy. It’s called “hands-off bodywork” according to Naab-Levy.
The class garnered immediate interest. Running from April 26 to May 31, the class has a long waiting list.
Naab-Lavy’s training in the MELT Method – which can be used for many populations – was demanding.
“We spent a lot of time discussing the science and the applications of MELT, which made me think of how it could help people with neurological conditions,” Naab-Levy said. “One of the great things about MELT is that it can be done in just 10 minutes in a day and it’s accessible and safe for most
everyone, which made it a great fit for this group. After completing training, I showed MELT to Kacey, and we decided to turn it into a workshop.”
Participants reportedly enjoy the method.
“It’s fast, it’s easy, and it works,” Naab-Levy said. “After ‘MELTing’, most people sense a difference in how they move and feel right away. Participants report things like less pain, better alignment, and better balance. MELT supports your body’s ability to function and heal, so no matter what you’re doing, MELT helps your body do it better.”
Moreover, MELT’s benefits exceed the short-term.
“MELT will give you the tools to take care of your body so you can live an active and pain-free life,” Naab-Levy said. “The specific goal can vary depending on your individual needs - MELT works for active athletes and sedentary seniors and everyone in between. No matter what you do, MELT helps your body function better.”
According to Kroeger, the method helps pain, reduce tremors, increases energy, reduces stress, calms the nervous system and improves communication in the body of people with neurological disorders.
At the end of the six weeks, participants are expected to learn a series of exercises they could do alone at home. The materials are purchased for them by the foundation.
“It also feels good to them and helps them a lot. When you’re having shots and IVs, it’s good to get on a horse and out of the house, for instance,” Kroeger said.
The foundation is 100 percent volunteer driven.
Kroeger said the foundation’s name is allegorical.
“Every time you help one person you have no idea how many people they are going to help,” Kroeger said. “Maybe you helped them by taking this class and that allows them to do other things in their lives, and that allows them to help even more people. It’s the ripple effect.”
This year, the foundation granted five major rounds of funding to people who applied for services. Kroeger hopes to offer more MELT workshops in the future, but needs more funding at this time.
Funding has been provided by the Magnolia Advisory Council and individual donors. The Magnolia Community Center donated the space.
For more information about how you can volunteer or apply for therapy, visit plusonefoundation.com