On September 17, 2018 I had a severe downhill mountain biking accident in Whistler, British Columbia. I was in a coma for six days due to a rare condition called Fat Emboli Syndrome. My brain had been affected from fatty bone marrow clotting in my lungs and brain, restricting blood flow to my most important functions. I was in Vancouver for 3 weeks waiting for my lower extremity fractures to become stable enough to travel.

Upon returning to Colorado, I was admitted into Craig Hospital, a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. During my time at Craig, my outlook on life completely changed. I met other patients who live’s were impacted more drastically then mine; however, their positivity and optimism was so powerful it was contagious. Additionally, the team of staff pushed me to see the small but powerful effects of a mindset of gratitude.

I am so grateful for Craig Hospital and the work that they do; I believe that it is my job to spread the word and give back to the community that helped make the impossible, possible!