"I’ve found my way back to life again."

Early mornings in Österfärnebo often begin in the forest. For Kenth Ringström, his dogs are a natural part of life- just like the nature surrounding his home. That was true before life changed, too.

When Kenth was 26 years old, he suffered a brain hemorrhage. In a single second, everything changed. An active life filled with work, dog walks, and outdoor activities suddenly became a life limited to a wheelchair and crutches.

Today, life looks very different. With the support of the C-Brace, Kenth has regained mobility, independence, and something that once felt very far away- joy in life again.

Starting over. One step at a time.

Before the brain hemorrhage, Kenth lived a life in constant motion. Work, dogs, forests, and the outdoors. His days started early and often ended outside in nature.
- I worked a lot. In the mornings I walked the dogs, then I worked all day, and after work I went straight back out into the forest. Weekends were almost always spent outdoors.

After the hemorrhage came years of rehabilitation. Learning a new way of living took time.
- There were many years of rehab, wheelchair training, and trying to understand how life was supposed to work now.

Daily life changed. Moving through forests and rough terrain no longer worked the same way.
- I always had my dogs, but I needed a lot of help to get outside. Life became gray when you can’t participate in life the way other people do.

When hope returned

It would take many years before Kenth had the opportunity to try a new assistive device. When his orthotist first told him about the C-Brace, Kenth was skeptical.
- When I first saw it, I thought: how am I supposed to walk with that?

But once he tried it, his feelings quickly changed. He stood up. The device was calibrated.

Then he took his first steps.

Reclaiming everyday life

Life in a wheelchair had taken a toll on his body.
- When you sit still all the time, you develop back problems and poor circulation. The body suffers.

When Kenth started using the C-Brace, everyday life changed quickly. Walks became part of life again. Step by step, movement returned to his daily routine. Today, he walks several kilometers every day together with his dogs.
- I walk five to six kilometers a day. My body feels better, and the pain has decreased as circulation improves and my muscles are working again. Now I can walk in the forest with my dogs again. That means more than people can imagine.

But the transformation is not only physical. It also changed how he experiences social life and human connection.
- When you’re in a wheelchair, people often don’t see you the same way. Now I’m at the same level as everyone else again.

A dream journey through Europe

When Kenth started using the C-Brace, he had one big dream: to travel through Europe. Something that had felt impossible for a very long time.

Two years after receiving his C-Brace, that dream became reality.
- My first big dream was to drive through Europe. Two years after getting the C-Brace, we did it, we drove all the way to Spain.

The trip became clear proof of how much life had changed. The freedom to move again made it possible to experience the world once more.

Next goal: Cycling with his dog

A lot has changed, and Kenth continues setting new goals.
- My next goal is to cycle with my dog. I’ve already tried a little, and it’s gone pretty well. But I need more practice.

He is convinced it will happen.
- It will work. Absolutely, he says with a laugh.
- When you’ve come this far, there’s not much that can stop you. It’s about deciding to do it and then training to reach your goals.

Now I feel whole again

For Kenth, the change is about more than being able to walk. It’s about something bigger, being able to truly live again. To be part of society, meet people, and move freely.
- I’m a person just like everyone else. I don’t see limits anymore. If I want to climb a mountain, I’ll do it.

- Now I feel like a whole person again. I don’t see limits anymore.

His advice to others in similar situations is simple: Stand your ground. Don’t give up. Keep trying.

With the right support, the right assistive technology, and a strong determination, it is possible to find your way back to life again, in a new way.