2025 Kelly Brush Ride
2025 Update
It has now been almost 3 years since my injury. Time has flown as I continue to push forward. When looking back I have come so far, way farther than I was told to expect at my first rehab. I am learning to live my life in a chair without hand function but still have hopes that someday something will come out that helps with that.
Meanwhile, I have an adaptive mountain bike and sit ski thanks to a couple of organizations, friends and family that have given me hope and helped me move forward. I also have a new van and am driving thanks to others who believe in me and my goals! That all being said, I skied 36 times last year and am now gaining my confidence on my mountain bike. I am able to drive myself where I need to be and feel such a sense of independence. I am so grateful for all of this.
My next hurdle is to get back to work! I am exploring my options. I spent this past school year volunteering 3 days a week and seeing what my options might be in the education world. I also strive to figure out how to give back, how to help this adaptive world I am now a part of. I am still thinking like when I was first injured, there must be a reason why this happened to me. Maybe it’s so I can help people with disabilities in a different way than I originally thought. Stay tuned as I try to figure it out!!
I do now have a new awareness of the world. Family, friends and community are such an integral part of recovery. I have been so lucky to have an abundance of people- old friends and new ones in my life. I will be forever grateful.
Currently I am again fundraising for the Kelly Brush Foundation! This organization means so much to me as they helped me mentally and physically get moving. I am so proud of Team Allie B. This is our 4th year, my third-year riding and I plan to complete a 30-mile gravel ride surrounded by friends. Our goal is lofty but every little bit helps others with spinal cord injuries. Here is the link if you are interested in riding or donating.
My new world vision is so very different and yet the same. It’s just the getting there part that has changed.
For now, many thanks as I continue to “Roll with it”. – Allie B
Allie’s Story
On August 6, 2022, Allie had an accident while mountain biking and suffered a spinal cord injury. She spent 10 days in the ICU in Burlington, then was transferred to Spaulding Rehab in Boston, MA.
Allie continues to stay strong and truly appreciates what everyone of you is doing to help, especially the prayers. It’s going to be a long road and we all know she can do it….she just needs a little help along the way and some positive signs to help keep her spirits up!
For those who know and love Allie, her strong spirit, work ethic, and incredible concern and care for others, is what makes her so special. Join us to raise her up to continue to be ALLIE STRONG.
Any cards or donations can be mailed to:
Allie Bianchi
PO Box 105
Richmond, VT 05477
In Allie’s Words
August 6, 2022
I was out on one of my daily adventures mountain biking which ended in a severe spinal cord injury, paralyzing me from the neck down. I underwent a large surgery followed by two months of rehab. I have already made huge gains including regaining movement in my upper body, along with sensations in my lower body. It’s a one to two year recovery process, so I have a lot more time ahead of me with a lot of unknowns. As life-changing as this has been, and as hard as this has been on me and my family, I can’t express my gratitude enough for all the love and support we have received. It’s overwhelming, but at the same time, such a blessing. I might not have responded to every message, text, card, flowers, etc… but I sure read and appreciated all of them more than anyone would know. I’m incredibly grateful.
I’m currently home and in the next stage of my recover. I’m continuing to figure out what is next, but for now we take each day for what it is. I’m not giving up, but continuing to fight and see the brighter side. Please keep sending your prayers, positive spirits, and good vibes my way!
As i said the day after surgery, “this sucks”, however I know there is a purpose behind it. I’m not sure what that purpose is, but I’m excited to find out!
Much love, Allie B
August 6, 2023
A lot can change in a year.
Change isn’t always a good thing, and it’s not always a bad thing. We have the power to choose how we adapt to change.
In 1 year, change has given me a new direction in my path, switched and adjusted my course, and gain many new perspectives on this journey we so call life. It’s not exactly how I expected life to go, but if we all live life “how it’s expected to go” then frankly, we would all be living quite boring lives. Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is real life. It feels like I’m living in two worlds at once. Yet, I am so lucky to have this life.
If someone were to say that this injury is easy, they would be lying straight to your face, but this injury did save me. It’s teaching me to appreciate the girl who could do things herself, but also love the girl who needs and can ask for help. It’s taught me to value my friendships now more than ever. People have come into my life who I never knew I needed. Many doors have closed, but many have opened. In such a short amount of time I have come so far and can’t wait to see were life continues to take me.
I read and continue to remind myself we have the ability to change our perspectives. Instead of caring how our bodies look and focusing on what doesn’t work as well as others, we instead look at our time on this earth as experiencing life through our mind and soul. We all will learn the most important things in life are in our hearts and not how you look or move. Learn to love yourself! Love others! Be kind! You never know what tomorrow brings!
✨💜