T4, December 2009
I was born with a benign mass in my chest, I lived a normal life, played lots of sports and was involved in every activity I could find.
The mass started causing problems with my spine and we couldnt correct it without surgery. I went in to the operating room without much concern, my parents say they knew the risks. I came out paralyzed from the chest down and my life was turned upside down.
Im going to be starting high school soon...my friends have been great so I'm not too worried.
c1-c2, November 2006
One day i was walking home from school and was at a pedastrian crossing with a green light when a car flew round a corner and drove straight into me. I later found out that he was involved in a car chase and the police car stopped to help me but I was out of it as soon as my head hit a rock. I woke up 3 months later in a hospital. I was told I would never do many things by myself again. the injury was that high that unlike most high level quads I cant even tilt my head from side to side. when my head hit the rock it also caused brain damage and as a result I cannot swallow and even if my spinal cord was fine I would be a spastic quariplegic. I have a complete injury and no sensation other than in my head. I have no bowel control and am ventilator dependent, with 24/7 care. I am now 17 and I feel I have missed a lot after being injured at 15 but hey what can u do except take what life gives u and get on with it.
