Steph's Journey

Born & Raised in Richmond, VA...

....as the middle child...between TWO BOYS! 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

Drinking & Driving almost took my life!

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.

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