My first post!

Welcome to the “Wheel” Life Blog!  This blog will cover any and all topics that wheelchair users are faced with on a daily basis.  These issues will presented as they relate to spinal cord injuries, however, I hope that it helps more than just this population.

Who Am I?!

Before continuing, let me tell you a little bit about myself.  My name is Megan, and live in the Northeast Ohio region.  I was in a motorcycle accident on July 12, 2007.  This accident severed my spinal cord at the Thoracic-5/6 level, leaving me paralyzed (no function, no feeling) from the Thoracic 4 vertebra on down.  Due to the injuries that I suffered, I was in the ICU for 32 days and went straight to an inpatient rehabilitation program, where I stayed for 6 weeks.  After this stay, until the present, I have made major accomplishments and have had the opportunity to be apart of wonderful organizations and opportunities.

I am not going to get into ALL of them in this post, that would be like writing a book!  I will mention them, but leave a lot of explaining for future posts.  These things include:

• Employment
• Driving
• Going through a divorce
• Buying and modifying a house
• 2 Master’s Degrees (almost 2)
• Involvement in United Spinal
• Ms. Wheelchair Ohio participant
• Completing 5ks
• 35 pound weight loss
• Baclofen Pump
• Botox
• Traveling across the country
• Some modeling work
• Coaching “able-bodied” sports, from a wheelchair

I’m sure I am forgetting some other big accomplishments, but that is at least a good start.  All of these things could not have been accomplished without the help of my friends and family.  I have had a truly amazing support system and am thankful every single day for these people.  Although it has been my perseverance and stubbornness, the support that I have received is astounding.  

My favorite phrase is “Where there is life, there is hope.” However, people need to want to live a quality life, in order to have a quality life.  We are continuously evolving, learning, and growing.  As long as we don’t stop learning, we will never stop growing and evolving.  A positive mindset will bring a positive life.

I hope to bring the growth and the positivity to you!