History of The Perfect Step Paralysis Recovery Centers
The story of The Perfect Step began with tragedy but grew into a movement of hope and innovation. From a life-changing accident in 2007 to becoming a nationally recognized paralysis recovery center, our journey has been fueled by resilience, community, and a relentless belief that every step forward matters.
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July 26, 2007
In the middle of the desert on a dark interstate highway, several fire trucks arrive on the scene of a semi-truck that has lost control and flipped four times. Inside the cab is 17 year-old Hal Hargrave Jr. who would soon be told by doctors he had broken his neck, scapula, and a fractured T1-2 vertebrae. The main damage was sustained at the cervical 5/6 vertebrae, which bursted into his spinal cord, giving Hal a spinal cord injury.
2007
After a life-changing car accident, 17-year-old Hal Hargrave Jr. sustains a spinal cord injury. While recovering, Hal and his family connect with The Claremont Club CEO, Mike Alpert, who offers space for an adapted gym. Soon, dozens of people with similar injuries join him for specialized recovery.
2007–2013
As demand grows, trainers are sent to Project Walk in Carlsbad, CA, to study the Dardzinski Method and become Recovery Specialists. The small adapted gym evolves into a program serving 17 clients.
2013–2014
Hal and Mike expand into a 3,000 sq. ft. space and launch the first Project Walk franchise. Programs extend beyond spinal cord injuries to serve clients with ALS, MS, cerebral palsy, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
2015
Trainer Tanya Slusser is recognized as World Trainer of the Year by Club Industry for her creative work with ALS clients.
2017
The center grows to 7,000 sq. ft., is renamed The Perfect Step, and now supports up to 150 clients with expanded services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and psychological care.
2019
The Perfect Step begins a multi-year IRB-approved research study with Kaiser Permanente, measuring quality of life improvements and reduction of secondary complications through patterned neural activity recruitment. The goal: provide evidence for legislative reform and third-party reimbursement for chronic paralysis recovery programs, ensuring clients can access long-term care.
2020
Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, TPS navigates continuous challenges while relocating from The Claremont Club after 13 years. Despite obstacles, a new 7,000 sq. ft. facility in Pomona opens, offering stability and renewed energy for staff and clients. The move marks a fresh chapter of resilience and growth during one of the most difficult years in modern history.
2021
TPS is better equipped than ever for internal and external growth. The Pomona facility provides room to expand services such as mental health therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Its infrastructure supports education, staff training, and future initiatives beyond Pomona. With this foundation, TPS begins planning national expansion, aiming to serve paralysis communities across the country with the same commitment to recovery and hope.
2024
The Perfect Step expands its Pomona flagship to 23,000 sq. ft., transforming it into a state-of-the-art hub for paralysis recovery. New spaces include a Learning Center, podcast studio, medical offices, and family fitness areas, plus a Recovery Studio offering advanced therapies such as hyperbaric, red light, water massage, and inflammation recovery technologies. Beyond physical growth, TPS deepens its impact through research studies, legislative advocacy, and community engagement—including the Life Series events and red-carpet celebrations that showcase client stories. With expanded training programs, digital education, and certification pathways, TPS continues to set the national standard in chronic paralysis recovery and prepare for future nationwide growth.