You were 18 when you broke your neck during a tackle, resulting in paralysis. How did you face your prognosis?
I was aware of how severe the injury to my spinal cord and phrenic nerve [which helps with breathing] was, but I still believed I would make a quick recovery. Obviously, spinal cord injuries take much longer than that to heal, and I haven’t fully recovered from the injury yet, but I still believe I will recover eventually. I tried my best not to think about it emotionally, but mentally I did my best, and still do, to stay positive and believe I will be on my feet, moving and breathing on my own again soon.
How did you adjust to your new way of life, like using a wheelchair?
The toughest adjustment was accepting that I wouldn’t be able to do the things I used to, both the little things we take for granted and things like going out with friends often. I had to learn to ask for help a lot (with basically everything) when I used to never ask for help with anything. It’s been extremely helpful having my family’s support, physically assisting me to do everyday things. Now, there’s a lot of accessible technology to assist me with certain things that give me some independence, like the eye-gaze technology I use for my computer.
How has others’ support helped?
The amount of support I’ve received from my hometown and Harvard has been incredible. The Harvard community has thrown many fundraisers for me, which has helped with the heavy financial burden that comes with a spinal cord injury. It’s also very uplifting to see all the people that come to support me. I couldn’t be more thankful.
What treatments have made a difference?
Every day, we do our best to condition my body to be ready for when I am completely healthy again. We do something called “range of motion” twice a day, every day, which entails stretching and moving all my joints. I also stand for at least an hour each day with the assistance of a wheelchair, ride an FES [functional electrical stimulation] bike three times a week, and have a diaphragmatic pacer that is helping my lungs regain strength so I can eventually breathe without a ventilator. I’ve started seeing a lot of progress with my breathing since participating in a clinical study at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab [based in Chicago] with Monica A. Perez, PT, PhD; I have been able to slightly twitch my thumbs and fingers, so that’s a hopeful sign as well I hope to build on.
This year, you earned an economics degree from Harvard and took a job in financial management at Wells Fargo in Birmingham, AL. Along the way, you shared your story with many. What motivated you to do that?
I’m open about my story because it could help someone who is in a similar position, bring more awareness to spinal cord injuries and the challenges we face, or inspire people, for the better, in whichever way they interpret my story. Most people tell me I’m an inspiration and that they are proud of me, which means a lot, and I’m glad my story has impacted people in a positive way.
What suggestions do you have for others in situations like yours?
Take everything one day at a time and do your best to keep a positive mindset even though it can be hard sometimes. Try and keep your body in the best shape you can in terms of keeping your joints loose so when a medical breakthrough happens, your body is ready to move.
What advice do you have for caregivers and loved ones of people facing spinal cord injuries?
Just do your best to support them. You may not be thanked enough for what you do—I know I don’t thank my family or caregivers nearly enough—but we are extremely thankful for everything you do for us.