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garrisonredd
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My name is Garrison Redd and when I was initially paralyzed at 17 years old I never knew that a couple of years later I would have a bachelors degree in Finance become a Team USA para-powerlifter competing to go to the tokyo 2020 paralympics/ olympics, also Model, do a Tedx Talk, and become a symbol for perseverance. So for anybody that is newley injured or knows someone that was recently injured tell them that the sky is the limit. Also when one door closes another door will open. check out my instagram to learn more @garrisonredd https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k2SKQdWnbNeK3pL4IKigobPlQU3MvZ3c/view?usp=sharing
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Once I got to the rehab they told me I was a c5 complete quadriplegic. I just went to see a Spinal Doctor since being home and she said I am not a c5, I am a c7 because of what I can move, then straight out and told me you will never walk again.
I am able to move both arms (one is stronger then the other), slightly move my right thumb, slightly wiggly some toes if I can concentrate to send signals down. As of right now I can’t workout like I use to, play sports or work but I see it in my future.
My daughter definitely keeps me going and makes my days amazing, especially when I’m feeling down. And my beautiful wife who takes care of me and our baby everyday shows how strong she is. They both give me the strength to keep fighting and never give up.
When I’m having bad days I usually just want to stay in bed but my wife is my back bone and tells me I must get out of bed because being there all day won’t make the situation any better “Happy wife Happy Life” lol
Being I use to love working out and now I’m limited, my wife ordered me what is called “active hands” it wraps around my wrist and folds my fingers over into a grip where I am able to hold weights. That’s how I do my home exercise.
Don’t take life for granted enjoy every minute of because in a blink of an eye your life can change completely, Live Love & Laugh.
My support system is strong, they are all fighters and have stood by me since day 1, as they tell me “ I have an Army behind me”.
Being newly injured I would definitely tell someone with the same injury be Strong & Never give Up because it’s a emotional roller coaster that can take over your mind. Do Not let science Define your faith. Doctors aren’t always right, that being said they told me I would be on a trach the rest of my life and I proved them wrong !!!!
As hard as it is I know things will eventually get easier in some way. Being told very bluntly 6 months post accident that I will never walk again (all other doctors would sugar coat it) makes me want to push harder and I went right back at her and said sorry doc your wrong I will walk again one day 🙌🏼💪🏼.
#ReeveSeeUs I’m Patty Kunze, a T 3-4 complete paraplegic as the result of a car accident in 2009 at the age of 48. I am a wife, a mother to two sons, and a Registered Nurse. Since my spinal cord injury, I still retain all of these roles, maintain my nursing license, became a peer mentor, and write helpful medical articles as “The Rollin’ RN.” Prior to my accident, I was teaching students to become valuable, knowledgeable nurses and now I write about topics as they relate to spinal cord injury in an easy to understand language for all to read. It seemed to be the natural progression and my calling. I have encountered some of the most fascinating individuals since acquiring my wheels, that I never would have had the pleasure of otherwise. My friends define me as “inspirational.” I rather not be known as “inspirational” but as a wheelin’ leader to show others that your life can still be brilliant, even while sitting in a wheelchair. When people discover I’m paralyzed they gasp and I say, “it’s no biggie, my LIFE is good.” @therollinrn
How do people see us? How do we want to be seen?
When we are out and about, or with friends, we hope people see us as couple who lives life to the fullest, who absolutely are each other's rocks. A couple who always find a time and a place to crack a joke in good fun at the expense of the other, but who wouldn't have it any other way.
A couple who refuses to hide in the shadows or never be seen; A couple who adore one another for their quirks and unique qualities.
People who love to try new things no matter what obstacles stand in our way: food, wine, cooking and travelling are our shared passions
We hope they see a pair of individuals who have come together based on shared interests and passions, who never want to stay in the same place very long for fear of missing out on LIVING; People who want to experience the world together and not be held back by any constraints
A couple who values freedom above all, and will customize our life how WE want it, not how anyone else thinks our life should be. We make it happen regardless of the people who tell is its impossible.
We hope that they see us as the couple who believes absolutely anything is possible, and if we aren't in a good place at any point in time, we will help one another reach our goals no matter what.
"See us" for our strong shared morals, our similar sense of humour, our love of life, our ability to make the most out of any situation, and our belief that we can, together, do anything we want to do.
So next time I am "lap riding" on my husband's lap while he is cruising in his power chair to get us to a dinner reservation or wine tasting on time, and I get a look of "how cute" or "wow good on him" because people are not used to seeing it, I hope that they see us as something that is more than the girl sitting on the guy in the wheelchair, getting from point A to B.
- Brooke
(Elena and Brooke)
My hope is that people see me as a busy successful guy making a difference in the world! Yes, my life changed in December of 1996 when 2 guys entered my jewelry store to rob me and shot me, and I began life as a T-5 complete paraplegic, but the only real thing that changed since then is that I use a wheelchair to get around. It didn't change my style as a goal driven individual who is always working to help make others lives a little better.
I work at a great place, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and get to help change and improve lives on a daily basis. Yes, like everyone else, I am tired at the end of the day, but there's still a lot of great years ahead for me to enjoy, so I'll keep doing this as long as I can.
Thankfully, those who know me see me, and not the chair, and that makes life even better!
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I made this collage for Dan while he was still in rehabilitation after he sustained a high grade, C3 & C5 Spinal Cord Injury- 3 years ago. I purposely placed each photograph that lines our first 3 years together (of us mostly sitting). What do I see now, when I walk past this collage hanging on our wall? I see US, just the way we are today. I see my best friend, a talented cook, a “dog-dad”, a critical thinker, a loyal and honest human being, an inspirational soul, full of life and laughter. Someone asked me the other day, if it was hard having Dan in a wheelchair? I said no, I don’t even notice that he’s in a wheelchair most days until he asks for me to get something down from the cupboard. Because I still just see the person I met almost 7 years ago. I hope this campaign resonates with some of you, we are so much more than an appearance. In a society fueled by first impressions and chasing the never ending ideal image, it’s easy to forget that we are SO much more than the things we buy, or have or use. We are HUMAN. We are all of the characteristics that define our soul. We have so much more to offer. Dig deep and unleash your inner potential and be SEEN for who you truly are.
Elena Pauly
(WAGS of SCI)
(Elena and Brooke)
My name is Jen, single, and 41 years old. Paralyzed with this spinal cord injury for 8 years. The car in the opposite lane hit a deer and it fell onto the windshield of my car. No memory about this devastating event and became a C-6 Quad (experiencing traumatic brain injury at the time of this sci).
Feel a stepped-on feeling on my hands and no hand dexterity every day. Feeling an itchy head even after my shower days. Not bed bugs in my hair.
The chills sensation comes on me 24/7 especially at night in my hands, arms, and back. I use a blanket to keep me warm and comfy
I struggle to deal with my daily life activities which some able-bodied will take for granted. No one pictures living a paralyzed life after all; I did not think about that. Miss my privacy and independence! My legs no longer walk me into the bathroom and my hands have no longer have dexterity in the bathroom just to mention
Everyone has their own struggles in life not just those who have a disability. Grateful, I have a powered-wheelchair which is literally my legs to provide mobility. Us disabled are all different with our abilities and secondary conditions we have.
I need someone to help me with my toileting, body stretches and place electrode pads on my muscles to activate contractions in my legs (and then place electrode pads on my hands to relax the neuropathic pain in them). Love exercising 5 days a week using wrist weights and then ankle weights️
In those five years, I have discovered not only my own strength, but the strength of my husband, my friends and my family. I am making a remarkable recovery, thanks to my outstanding therapists and doctors, and thanks to those who love me. They have provided incredible support, and I would not be where I am without them.
Although I am learning to walk again, I spend much of my day in a wheelchair. But it does not define me. If you really see me, you will see an optimistic person who goes to the theater several times a week, is a news junkie, shares great meals with friends, and who volunteers for non-profit organizations. You will see a person on a spiritual path, exploring just what matters in this world, and how to be a better person it it
You will see a man who is loved, and loves in return.
What you will not see is a defeated, depressed, or resigned individual. I am determined to keep improving. Every day I express my gratitude for all the goods things in my life, and it makes all the difference in my attitude all day.
I am proud to be member of a community that insists on being seen for our hearts and minds, not for our physical limitations. See me. See us.
I was injured in October of 2010 due to a fall brought on by my type 1 diabetes. I had a severe episode of hypoglycemia and somehow managed to fall from the third floor down onto the second floor inside our home. I don't remember anything about the fall, in fact I don't remember anything until waking up in ICU a week later.
I was 59 years old at the time of my injury and therefore had a long life of being able bodied. This made the transition to being paralyzed extremely difficult for me. After my accident I kept asking God, "why didn't You just let me die. I would rather be dead than in this wheelchair." I felt alone and isolated. Even though I was very happily married and with three children, I felt alone. No one else could imagine what it was like to be paralyzed.
It took me almost a year and a half to rejoin the land of the living. It started when I attended a program that is now defunct called Project Walk. There I met so many other people living a great life even though they were in wheelchairs. They new firsthand what it was like and in spite of being paralyzed, laughed, went to school, had careers and overall loved being alive. It was a great learning for me.
I came out of my depression and started getting busy with living life. I wanted to be of service to others so I became a peer mentor for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I am also a peer mentor for a great rehab program called Empower SCI which is held every summer at Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York. In fact, this year, they expanded their program out west to the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Additionally, I serve as a Regional Champion for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. As a Regional Champion, I contact my federal legislators about matters of importance to the disabled community. I have our two Federal Senators and my district Congresswoman as my contacts. I have been able to get letters of support for legislation increasing funding for the Paralysis Resource Center. Additionally, I serve on the Board of Directors for a non-profit called The Here and Now Project. We are a support group for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. We hold health fairs, have an annual barbecue and hold support meetings throughout the state of Washington.
I was retired when I was injured. I have three children, all of which are married with one granddaughter. I have been married for 46 years to the absolute love of my life and get this, I lucked out. Not only is she gorgeous and completely devoted to me, she is a retired RN so needless to say she is an excellent caregiver.
I am also a musician and have set up a digital recording studio in my home. I play piano and write and record my original compositions. I have written songs for my mom and dad both of whom are deceased, all of my kids, my wife as well as other music as well. My life is filled with so many blessings that it completely overwhelms me at times. I always tell people that there is a line from the movie "Shawshank Redemption", that Morgan Freeman, Red, says, " either get busy living or get busy dying." I am too busy living to even think about dying and I am so grateful.
Thank you for joining and sharing your story with all of us!!!! Your perspective is awesome and how you describe the process to bring yourself back to center is commendable!!
Thank you so much for your kind words...
Joe
- Cole and Charisma