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 see the link on my page.
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.