I'm very excited to be a part of the community building here at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation site. Perhaps to make this a little easier I should introduce myself and let you know how I arrived here.
The standard introduction goes: I was 16yrs. old when I was injured in a car accident (freak accident 2 blocks from home). It broke my C5-C6 vertebra and I experienced paralysis from the neck down. I was very lucky. My injury was not "complete." I was able to regain much recovery over the course of the first year. I was able to go home from the hospital with the ability to walk...about 100ft. Today, I am 33yrs. old and although it hasn't been easy (or as complete as I'd like) I've been able to work my body back to a place where I can walk with a cane and enjoy most activities I used to enjoy.--My BIG hang-up is SPORTS! (I love sports, being an athlete)...which will come out in my blog writing so let's leave that...
I am a counseling psychologist by training but have chosen as a profession to work in a job where I help people with disabilities find jobs. I'm also certified as a personal trainer and one day hope to incorporate this with my counseling. All of this did not exactly lead me to doing this blog. My belief in the value of creative writing did. I greatly enjoy sharing my life and finding value in what just..."does not make sense!" to me (usually through humor). It is what has held my life together after my injury. I wanted to join this CDRF effort to help build this community (SCIs, caregivers, friends, SCI professionals, students etc. ) and watch us grow together through our blog interactions.
okay, this is kinda sorta how I got here (see blog title "My Brain Stretches")...I usually do get to a point. I'd like to invite you to leave comments on my blog. In good humor let me just say, I look forward to being an ever "handicapable" friend and resource for you.
Take Care.
Amanda
