Bernadette M Maryland

Incomplete Quad C3, July 1991

Who would have thought you could get a spinal cord injury by a simple fall. The result was a spinal cord contusion at L2-S3. I had no insurance and received delayed care. By the time I was seen and the injury was fully understood, there was nothing that could be done. I had a doctor tell me, hey you walk, what’s the problem? I was sent on my way, never returning for basic care.
Last year, frustrated with the loss of additional function, I sought out care. Much to my surprise, I was told that I am now an incomplete quad with central cord syndrome. All the years of walking with assistive devices, repetitious jarring resulted in the slow loss of function in my arms, trunk control and the onset of autonomic dysreflexia(AD).
Spinal cord injury isn't static. It requires a lifelong continuum of care. The ability to walk while a blessing should not be the standard to terminate care. Follow up care is imperative for everyone.
Christopher and Dana Reeve carried the torch for years for the spinal cord community. It is now our turn to GO FORWARD and carry the torch that Christopher lit.