I won't back down with a Spinal C5 Cord Injury
In December 2015 I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which I suffered a C5 burst fracture to my neck and left me a quadriplegic paralyzed from the waist down with limited movements in my arms. I underwent 3 surgeries and was put on a ventilator to help me breathe. I spent one month in the ICU, then was transferred to Kessler Rehab for 2 1/2 months. There I had therapy everyday to help me relearn basic activities like feeding yourself.
Since I've been discharged home, I continue to make gains. I refuse to let this injury defeat me. In the meantime I try to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries. I may not have a huge platform to share my story, but you have to start somewhere. I help raise money for research, rehabilitation and treatments. I also educate people on the injury and the complications that come with it.
There are approximately 200,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the United States today. Approximately every 48 seconds in our country, a person becomes paralyzed. Most of these injuries occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, work-related accidents, and sports injuries. I'm determined to raise awareness for Spinal Cord Injuries and share my experiences. I still have a long way to go, but I refuse to give up because I know my life was not meant to be spent it in a chair.
