November 2024 Community Q&A Recap

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Published at: November 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Watch the November Q&A Recording
Stories That Inspire Action and Change
1. Ardra Shephard: Shaping the MS Narrative
  1. Katy Gaastra: Building Connections in the CP Community
2. Adaptive Footwear: A Game-Changer for Mobility Challenges
3. Engaging with the Cadense Community
4. Looking Ahead: Expanding Options and Awareness
5. Get Inspired and Stay Connected

In our latest Community Q&A, we brought together a panel of voices dedicated to improving mobility and fostering inclusion. Hosted by Cadense CEO Johannes Sauer and CTO Dr. Tyler Susko, this session featured inspiring insights from Ardra Shephard of Tripping on Air and Katy Gaastra from Cerebral Palsy Strong. Together, we explored personal experiences, challenges, and solutions related to multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), and adaptive footwear.

Here are the highlights from the engaging 55-minute discussion:

Watch the November Q&A Recording

Stories That Inspire Action and Change

Ardra Shephard: Shaping the MS Narrative

Ardra Shephard, creator of Tripping on Air, shared her personal journey with MS and the need to redefine the narrative around disability. Through her platform, Ardra combines humor and honesty to address misconceptions and empower those living with chronic illness. During the Q&A, she reflected on how Cadense shoes have transformed her approach to mobility, providing support and confidence in navigating daily life with MS.

Katy Gaastra: Building Connections in the CP Community

Katy Gaastra, founder of Cerebral Palsy Strong, emphasized the importance of representation and shared experiences for people with CP. She highlighted her work in creating a space where individuals with CP feel seen and supported. Katy shared how Cadense adaptive shoes have met her unique mobility needs, allowing her the flexibility to use them with or without an AFO, and underscoring the importance of inclusive design.

Adaptive Footwear: A Game-Changer for Mobility Challenges

Dr. Tyler Susko provided a detailed explanation of Cadense's adaptive footwear technology, including features like variable friction soles that help reduce freezing episodes and improve walking stability. Both Ardra and Katy spoke about their experiences with Cadense shoes, highlighting the sense of safety and independence they’ve gained.

Johannes Sauer summed it up best when he described the shoes as an “insurance policy,” offering a reliable and supportive option for people facing mobility challenges. The technology is designed not just to solve a problem but to instill confidence in those who wear them.

Engaging with the Cadense Community

The Q&A session included practical questions from the audience, covering topics like:

Sizing: Advice on finding the right fit for different needs.
Care Tips: Best practices for cleaning and maintaining Cadense shoes.
Durability: Insights into how the shoes perform over time.

Dr. Susko also highlighted Cadense’s ongoing research partnerships, including a clinical trial with the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, which is evaluating the impact of Cadense adaptive shoes on mobility outcomes. For more information on this and other studies, visit our Research & Resources section.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Options and Awareness

As part of the discussion, we also unveiled an exciting update: the upcoming launch of our all-black dress shoe, designed to combine elegance and functionality. Both Ardra and Katy expressed enthusiasm for expanding footwear options, reflecting the shared desire for products that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.

Make sure you are signed up to our newsletter to get early access to the launch of our new sneaker.

Get Inspired and Stay Connected

This Q&A demonstrated the power of shared stories, community, and innovation in addressing mobility challenges. Whether through Ardra’s advocacy for the MS community, Katy’s work with CP, or Cadense’s adaptive footwear solutions, each contribution plays a vital role in empowering independence.

Want to learn more?