My sister is one of 10 women being recognized for their ability to overcome an accident that resulted in paralysis, and live a meaningful life. This is the third year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is conducting the promotion to reach more people with the story of spinal cord injury and it’s randomness.
In the summer of 2000, Judy Clarke stopped at Morristown (NJ) Hospital to donate blood. It was just another stop on a busy schedule. She was a frequent blood donor, taking after my father, who was a multiple-gallon donor during his lifetime. Judy signed the release and walked quickly to her car. Her thoughts were about the tasks ahead. The car started. She left the hospital parking lot, and within a few minutes was northbound on I287, heading to Mountain Lakes, NJ.
She awoke a few hours later in the same hospital. Paralyzed from the chest down.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is one of the most visible support groups in the world. In an effort to convey the scope of spinal cord injuries, the Christopher & Dan Reeve Foundation began a program in 2011 to recognize women who raise children while being confined to a wheelchair.
Ten are selected from nominations. One is featured as the person who has an opportunity to speak for ALL women who rose beyond expectations.
Visit ChristopherReeve.org for more information about spinal cord injury. Look for the blog “Life After Paralysis” is a blog that represents a variety of paralysis community members. It is a place for open conversation about the issues and the interests of people living with paralysis, their family, friends, caregivers, and the professionals that serve them. Comments are welcome! The opinions expressed in these blogs are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
I’d like you to consider voting for Judy Clarke. She has a story to tell. Help her tell it by voting @ http://goo.gl/DR6uW
