At Jones & Swanson, we take an interest in the lives of our clients, both current and past. Offering a “Featured Client” article in our newsletter allows us to not only boast their success, but to check in on them as well.
We recently caught up with a client that we represented in 2008 – Kalila King. She was significantly injured in a pedestrian-automobile accident in May of 2008. While exiting a restaurant in Acworth, Georgia, Kalila was struck by a vehicle that was reversing in the drive-through line. She was knocked to the ground and hit her head. After the collision, Kalila suffered from a head injury and tinnitus, which caused ongoing dizziness, hearing problems, lightheadedness, and pain in her head, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Doctors predicted that many of these symptoms would be permanent.
At the time of the incident, Kalila was training in the Japanese martial art of Shinkendo ( www.Shinkendo.com) and taught Taiji. The automobile collision left Kalila unable to participate in her usual physical activities. Fortunately, she was able to use Taiji techniques such as deep breathing and balancing, in addition to physical therapy, in her efforts to recover.
Although Ms. King continues to experience permanent symptoms associated with the tinnitus, she has continued her work with Taiji. A Taiji instructor for 22 years, she now teaches classes at the Frist Presbyterian Church of Marietta on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as private individual and group lessons. Kalila’s classes use movements from Taijiquan and Qigong, with emphasis on deep breathing. Her Taiji classes are meant to promote relaxation and mental alertness while improving balance, flexibility, and posture. Kalila uses Taiji not only as a continued form of therapy, but as a method of assisting others in living a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to her weekly classes, Kalila hosts an event every year on the last Saturday in April at the Marietta Square to participate in the World Tai Chi & Qigong Day celebration. The event offers free classes and demonstrations for the public in an effort to spread information about the health benefits found with the practice of Taiji and Qigong. Last year, approximately 40 people participated in this event on the square. These photographs were taken at last year’s Marietta Square event.
For more information about Kalila and her Taiji classes, visit www.KalilaTaiji.com or find her on Facebook here. We are truly inspired by Kalila and her ability to overcome her injuries by doing something that she loves.
Categories: Pedestrian Accident
