I was born in Richmond, VA & raised as the middle
child, and only girl between 2 brothers. Our home was led by 2 Christian parents that taught us to believe that nothing is
impossible when we put our trust in God. Growing up, I participated in many activities including youth mission trips, choir,
cheerleading, swim team, and little league. Softball, my sport of choice growing up, is what I miss playing the most. Little
league, school and summer teams occupied my free time from the time I was 5 years old until I graduated from Godwin in 2001.
Catching was my most loved position on the field & taught me to be a team leader. Cheering & encouraging teammates
to be all they could be was a top priority on and off of the softball field. My coaches stressed the importance of good sportsmanship
and I learned a bit of "street smarts" which has given me the skills, strength and push to fight an injury of my
degree.
My Blessing in Disguise
What I learned on the athletic field helped me fight
what was to come after a car accident on April 14, 2004. I broke my back at the 10th thoracic vertabrae, broke several ribs,
punctured one lung, and sustained a minor head injury. My spinal cord was smashed and the medical staff gave me no hope of
walking or regaining sensation below my belly button. Trusting what the doctors said about my diagnosis, I began to wonder,
Was this it? Would I never use my legs again?
Physical therapists taught me how to balance my body and transfer
in and out of my chair. Occupational therapists educated me about life in a wheelchair and sent me home to get used to this
different type of mobility and new routine. So many friends disappeared and others that did not know me were right by my side.
I was left appreciating all the smallest things that most people take for granted, such as walking and bathing. Never did
I think in the beginning that this would be a blessing in disguise, which it has turned out to be.
Keeping Hope
Since March, 2006 I have been part of 3 different
programs throughout the US, 2 in California and my current one in Texas. These intensive exercise based recovery programs
believe that people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have another option for recovery. People are looking for alternative
therapies and for HOPE that the chair is not the end. After insurance covered 90 days of therapy, I was sent on to live in
a wheelchair and told the things I could still do (but in a chair). This was not acceptable for me, so I searched until I
found a place that gave me more options to get back on my feet. Since working out, I have gained most of my hip flexors back,
increased muscle strength in my legs and am able to connect my brain with muscles below my level of injury. Through repetitive
movements and training, muscle stimulation, acupuncture and massage, these connections within my nervous system will only
continue to grow stronger, as will my muscles. The trainers have said my abilities and strengths are very promising, but I
have to continue therapy and focus on the parts of my body which are weak and paralyzed.
My disability has opened my eyes
to this new community of people who need our help to live healthier lives. Exercise-based therapy and the attention given
to paralyzed parts have reduced the number of times SCI patients return to the hospital with pressure sores and diseases associated
with an SCI. The therapy helps to improve circulation, bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health. Many participants
have shown increases in voluntary movement, sensation & nerve connection. The amazing science of exercise therapy has
shown miraculous results and it is now my passion to educate others about possibilities for recovery.
Degree to Help Others
I have finally completed my Bachelors Degree in
Business Administration with a HR/Management Focus this past June of 07. I also managed to finish with Honors after maintaining
a strong 4.0 GPA during the course of my education while attending Strayer University (Henrico Campus in VA). This accomplishment
and dedication to my studies granted me the invitation to become a member of the Alpha Chi National Scholarship & Honor
Society. This honor was surely an unexpected surprise to come right before graduating... WOW! I did it!
My
goal is still to return to the east coast to open a facility one day. I want to give others the resources and HOPE for recovery,
which is not usually given after a Spinal Cord Injury. The majority of us were given wheelchairs along with the attitude of
"get used to it" from the medical staff. I know that if I would have found a facility that focuses on recovery (of
any level) in working with the whole body,that I would be a lot further in my recovery, if not already walking. Not finding
the resources to further my recovery until almost 2 years post injury, I have that time to make up for when it comes to my
strength and nerve connections. I want facilities like this to be the "next step" after leaving the hospital. I
do believe the PT & OT is important because I am a strong believer in "You must learn to live in a chair before you
can get out of it!" The more skills & comfort you have in your wheelchair and when transferring, not only increases
your independence, but it makes working out a lot easier. I hope that made sense. Ha.
I have one word for you when it comes to living in Texas... HOT!!! Being from the east coast, I know
what a climate with high humidity feels like. I mean, I've played 3 games a day (catching too) in South Carolina heat
of 110 before, and it doesn't get much hotter than that. Well Texas does and its only June. It has been about 100 degrees
everyday for the last month, with 80% humidity, which makes it feel like 120. Ouch!! There is nothing like going out to check
the mail and having to take another shower when you get back in the house from the sweating that is done in such a short amount
of time. Ha. Not really, but just about! I was spoiled when i lived in San Diego, so that made moving to the South harder
to get used to. Funny thing is... I'll be moving from here after the summer.
I live in a house in
San Antonio with a nice sized backyard for Kayla (my dog). I took on a roommate a few months ago. Her name is Megan and she
is also a client at Pressing On. She moved from Dallas to get back on her feet after an injury Feb 9, 2008. We have a good
time together as we keep each other motivated towards our goals.
