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How My Story All Started On July 1, 2007 I was in an automobile accident at the dunes in Pismo Beach. I was injured at a C-4 level leaving me a quadriplegic, but after a year of hard work I am able to push my own chair! I went back to school and got my AA in business. I have a wonderful life, full of family, a boyfriend, and a wonderful dog that never leaves my side. From what I hear and what I strive to be I'm in positive spirits and try to always keep a smile on my face. I'm dealing with some medical issues right now but as soon as I'm healed I plan to get a job and continue with my next goal which is driving. This is my story, and I invite you to follow me on my journey.

Cp for the win Although I have lived with Cerebral Palsy my whole life, I've never talked about it until about 2 years ago. I actually loved "trying" to hide it. I used to be so ashamed, embarrassed and self conscious about looking different, getting my words mixed up, and just seeming less than "normal people". Most didn't even know I had CP until Crossfit. Because let's be real, Crossfit=vulnerability, and that's the beauty of It. Crossfit has done so much more for me than just give me abs and biceps. It has helped me appreciate struggles in life, helped me celebrate small victories in and out of the gym, helped me understand self worth and honestly taught me to love others deeper. Those are the reasons why I'm "really into Crossfit" as some people say, oh also because I get to eat all the tacos!! Crossfit has made me thankful that for some reason, that God gave me Cerebral Palsy. Without it I would be so basic (gross), never know so many incredible people, and wouldn't get to see life differently. CP is so much more than a physical limitation. Yes, I hurt constantly, I have to stretch a ton, go to chiropractor often and I absolutely look ridiculous sometimes trying to do certain things, (haha box jumps, snatches and even getting dressed 😳) but it's so much more than that. I fight doubt a lot. I fight self image a lot, and I fight ability a lot. So yes, I'm really into Crossfit, because other than Jesus, it's the one thing in my life, that has changed everything! And I'm forever grateful for those that have invested little and much to move me forward. My real family, my I am adaptive family and my Crossfit Crash people. All you guys don't even know my gratitude. I will always keep pushing my body, and keep strengthening my mind and use my CP ABILITIES, to help others believe in themselves more!

That defining moment We all have had a moment that has defined our life. It’s that one moment in time - good or bad - that has set the course of our life and defined who we will become. For me, that moment occurred on January 20, 1991. It was the moment that I heard the words “you have cancer.” I was 11-years-old. At the time, I knew little about cancer. To me, cancer was death. This was reinforced when the attending doctor told my parents to take me home and wait for the end. He optimistically told my mom and dad that death, though painful, shouldn’t take long. In fact, he said, it shouldn’t take more than six weeks. We refused to listen to him. We sought a 2nd opinion, and then a 3rd. A rigorous course of chemotherapy was sketched out, as were surgical plans. Over the course of 18 months, I underwent 75 chemo treatments. At first weekly, but over time, became less frequent due to low blood counts. In between chemo, I also had multiple surgical procedures. The first - initially scheduled as a total amputation from the hip down - turned into a limb-saving bone transplant. I spent 3 months in a Spica cast - a cast from my chest to my toes - and another 9 months in a brace, which I absolutely hated, but affectionately named Bertha. I was bald for well over 12 months There were days of constant vomiting, hair loss, seizures, frustration, and tears. But there was also laughter. Cancer changed me. Cancer made me stronger. It made me a fighter. Who I am now was defined by who I became then. Giving up was never an option. When I was 11, learning to walk again was a challenge. Stairs were impossible. Ice was terrifying. But, hard work and perseverance prevails. Today, I go rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, handcycling, and have played hockey. I will spend my life on crutches, but I will not spend it sedentary. Thanks to a generous grant from the IM ABLE Foundation in late 2014, I received a handcycle in March 2015. I competed in two marathons, two triathlons, and a 40k race in 2015. My finish times were lackluster at best and I was disappointed with my performance. In March 2016, I met with a coach, began monitoring my dietary intake, and started training 3-5 times a week. In May 2016, my hard work was evident when I placed first in the women’s handcycle division of the Vermont City Marathon. Since that time, I have increased my training intensity in preparation of the Tour de Force Half Marathon, Hartford Marathon, and New York City Marathon in upcoming months. Twenty-five years ago, I knew I could do more. I knew I could be more. Cancer has taught me to never give up. It’s taught me that there are no excuses. And, it’s taught me that I don’t want to be ordinary. I want to be extraordinary.

Option: KEEP FORWARD! Look back only to pick the pace. Hey I'm Robert Shipman. I'm a LBKA since August 2, 2012. I lost my leg due to poor circulation and partial fingers missing on my right hand since 2013. I'm also a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient since April 10, 2010. I am a stronger person through these things that have happened in my life. My faith in God that he will pull me through has allowed me to never give up and keep my mind looking forward to getting my life back. I run and dance and I'm very active! I'm aways sharing the joy that I have inside with anyone I come in contact with showing them that I STILL HAVE JOY! This is also the title of the book I'm now trying to write; letting others like me know that they are SUPER BEAUTIFUL AND CAN STILL HAVE JOY!

I recommend you to be happy and optimistic and enjoy life as much as you possibly can! Hello, I'm Kassem and I'm 23 years old. In 2011, I had a serious car accident leaving me a paraplegic d4. In the beginning it was hard for me but after a month, I decided to live life as it is. Since this decision, my life took a whole new direction. I tried to be as independent as possible, and now I am myself with my wheelchair. I really like it because it helps me and gives me strength. Some people see me as “different”, but that does not bother me because I like to stand out and be different from everyone else. Now, I am happy and I recommend you to be happy and optimistic and enjoy life as much as you possibly can. I love you all!

I recovered a lot more muscle function than what I had, and I continue to recover more and more each day. Hi my name is Haley and I am now 16 y/o. On July 2, I had been jumping on a trampoline and pulled my back. Thinking it was nothing but a pulled back, I had went back to sleep. I woke up July 3, early in the morning, with extreme weakness and pain. We rushed to the hospital. By the time we got there, I had limited movement from my waist down. After a couple of days and many tests, I was diagnosed with a spinal cord stroke which left me paralyzed from T10, incomplete. A spinal cord stroke is pretty rare, accounting for about 2% of all strokes. They are not sure what caused it, trampoline might have triggered it, but there was no trama to my spinal cord. I was immediately transferred to a rehab facility. When I got there I had basically no movement in my lower extremities, and sensation was dull but I could still feel touch but the sense of hot/cold and sharp/dull were barley there. I couldn't even sit by myself at first, not to mention be independent. After 3 1/2 months of intense therapy, I left completely dependent of taking care of myself. I also can now use my hip flexors to walk in braces. I recovered a lot more muscle function than what I had, and I continue to recover more and more each day.

In march 2012, I lost my left leg below the knee in a terrible motorcycle accident that almost took my life. The next 4-1/2 years after that have been a roller coaster. On the night of my accident, I flew on life flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where I flatlined on the OP table due to the amount of blood loss in my leg. They tried for about 2 weeks to save the leg and finally after 13 surgeries, I decided to go for the amputation not knowing what is to come from all this. It was the hardest decision I have had to make in life so far. After the hospital I stayed in an inpatient rehab place. Once out of there, I got fitted for my first prosthetic leg. That first year I set personal goals for myself to accomplish and I shattered every goal on time. I ran, rode a bicycle, did a 5k started riding motorcycles again, and climbed to highest point in Texas (guadalupe peak). After That I start college and then for some reason, I quit worrying about health and fitness and just let myself go. Over the past 4-1/2 years I went from 245lbs to 416lbs. This past July I woke up one morning and decided enough was enough and chose to take my life back and get fit. Here I am in October and I am down 73lbs and training to be a powerlifter. I am more motivated now than ever. I feel great and cant wait to see where I am in a year from now. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires at least one person.

I wouldn’t trade the life God has given me Hi, I’m Barbie. I was involved in a car-accident when I was only fourteen years old on December 2002, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury at T4/T3 level. I graduated on 2013 with an AAS in Legal Administration, I married on 2014, and I’m a proud mom of a beautiful one-year old girl named #LluviaSinai. It took me almost nine years to actually learn to love and own this wheels. I love sports and I do track on a regular basis. When I’m in the tracks I feel free, sure! I may not be wearing shoes or using my feet, but I’m still going as fast as I can. Today, I might never forget the sleepless nights and painful days healing up, this accident truly changed my life, yes! for better. I wouldn’t trade the life God has given me, He gave me strength to push myself even when I didn’t want to. Sure, my body may have a few limitations but my soul is now free to live with purpose because I never thought I’d be as happy as I am today. Throughout these years, I’ve learned the importance of loving yourself, because when you think you have accepted yourself for who you are, there’s always ALWAYS a way to love yourself even more, and if you can’t walk, then ROLL!

We couldn't be more proud of him! Hi, I am Braxton's mom. Braxton was born in 2009 and diagnosed with Spina Bifida/ Tethered Cord just a few days later. He has endured 5 corrective surgeries and countless procedures. He has more determination and heart than I have ever seen! He is now 7 years old and competed in his first triathlon (3 months post surgery). We couldn't be more proud of him!

I had always known I was different. From as long ago as I can remember when I was three years old staring at my scars, terrified and confused as to why they were there, to now. What I didn't know then that I do now is that I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. What this means is that in utero, my back failed to close leaving my spinal chord and nerves exposed. This led me to being paralyzed from my knees down and having the Hydrocephalus, a build up of cerebrospinal fluid in my brain. Throughout my life I've had many challenges I've had to face. School was a big one for me. It was terrifying going to a place where I knew I could be singled out just like that. The way I've dealt with my anxiety is wheelchair basketball. Through wheelchair basketball, I've made so many personal accomplishments, met my best friends, and come to terms with my disability. Being on a court with kids just like myself made me realize that it's okay to be different. Another place where I'm surrounded with people like me is Camp Spifida. It's a summer camp I go to every year and the amount of love and compassion I see there is just outstanding. Overall, I've learned that it's normal to go through change. It's hard, but necessary. Through my experiences I've been able to help countless people. And I only hope that I can be a role model to others.

Smile! I have five fingers! Yes..that's right; Ashton only has five fingers and ten toes. My husband and I discovered Ashton's limb difference, known as amniotic band at 28 weeks. Imagine how that would affect a parent when they discover their child was different and afraid how this world would treat their child. All I could think about is; did I eat something wrong while being pregnant, sleep the wrong way, and so many more thoughts just continued on... Prior to discovering the diagnose of amniotic band; we went to many doctor appointments for several medical opinions. The first diagnose was Poland Syndrome; a very rare birth defect that sometimes ties into other development issues. That same day as my husband held me walking to our car to go home. I did not once turn off my phone as I searched and searched for answers to this cause. I was so certain that both my husband and I do not have any family history of genetic disorders..I couldn't wrap myself around this. However; amniotic band is just simply bad luck... it's uncommon but yet so common. As I searched profusely through social media and internet for families with children of the same story to share. My worries became less.. reading such amazing stories from the lucky fin project made me stronger and just anxious to see what the future will bring for our family and our handsome strong baby boy... Even before he joined us into this world; we knew he would be the most spunkiest, smart,strong, and handsome boy ever. How did I know this? It was the moment we witnessed him sucking his left no hands in the full anatomy ultrasound.. We call it his built-in pacifier hand.. He just loves this left hand... We cried and laugh at the same time to see him kick, tumble, and even suck on his hand while inside my womb. In the future; we knew he will have to have a prosthesis... Until the doctors said prosthesis weren't covered by government insurance due to cosmetic reasons...Who has almost 15k for this? I know some way or some where there is help out one day when he gets his first set of prostethic hand. I was then determined to find a way to begin to save. I started my venture through couponing after i gave birth. Ashton's development at 2 month check up was at 90th percentile! yes... 90th percentile. Every day this little guy amazes us. He held up his head at one and half months all on his own. He didn't need mommy or daddy's help. That just simply amazed us. He made eye contact with us, smiled, and laugh at 2 months and one week old... That amazed us even more. When a person says they feel bad for him.We tell everyone to please not say they feel bad. He is just as normal as everyone. Actually, even better than your ordinary and normal person; he's above and beyond unique and perfect! The best feeling in the world is; knowing you gave birth to the most amazing children. Our oldest son, Damian, who said he will help his younger brother and do his homework. Our daughter, Brooke, who will be a doctor to make a lot of money to buy him a new hand. Our younger son, Connor, who said he will protect his brother from getting bullied. My husband and I are blessed in many ways and so grateful for it. I am telling my story today; September 29th , 2016. Making him exactly 3 months today. We look forward to nothing but a wonderful journey with our little Ashton and provide limb difference awareness to those who were also in our shoes at the beginning. Just remember; our limb different children aren't different.. They're perfectly imperfect. It is just a memorable moment to remember; there is someone out there who is interested in our journey with our no left hand man. Yooocandoanything

Now, I love myself and my body. Hi, I'm Derya. I'm 26 years old. I was born with a spinal disease (meningomyelocele.) My right foot was amputated when I was 19, and when I was 25 I lost my left leg because of meningomyelocele. In the past 20 years, it was was hard and tiring. I struggled a lot, but I know I needed to be strong. When I had to give up a part of my body, I made a promise to myself not to regret anything and I accepted my amputee legs, and began to realize my dreams. My family played a big part of my story with their patience and support. Now, I love myself and my body. I dance and do sports! My advice to you- People may think that you can't do anything, but if you dream...you can do everything