C4 Quad Rolling Through Life

About Me💜

Hi, my name is Chelsea and I was born and raised in SM California. In May of 2019, I graduated from Cal State Channel Islands with my BA in psychology with a plan to further my education in counseling. About a month later I was the passenger in a horrific automobile accident where I broke/shattered my cervical vertebrae from C3-C6. This caused severe damage to my spinal cord which caused me to become a C4 complete quadriplegic. All four of my limbs are compromised with no leg function and very limited arm function. I also have no hand function which makes daily tasks extremely challenging. I’m 100% dependent on those around me and I need help with daily tasks such as brushing my hair, bathing, and getting dressed. Over the past 2 1/2 years I’ve undergone intensive physical and occupational therapy to gain back new function and to strengthen the muscles I do have firing. I became a peer ambassador for the Triumph Foundation which is a non-profit foundation located in Santa Clarita California. This foundation strives to help individuals with spinal cord injuries, spinal cord diseases, and other individuals with physical limitations. Recently, I got a part-time job working at my local community college as a career program assistant in the career center where I aim to help as many students as possible with their future endeavors. I hope to continue to be a resource and beacon of hope for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.