Life Changes After a Spinal Cord Injury

My wife was such a strong independent person. When she got cancer. She withered away but I always saw her as beautiful as the day I met her. One day I was picking her up from our bed to put her in our bathtub. With tears in her eyes she turned to me and said thank you. I was totally confused. I didn’t understand why she would thank me. I thought I understood why she was sad. So I asked her. Thank you for what??? She replied for not leaving and staying with me. I replied with the only thing I thought which was, where would I go? Where would I be without you. I never understood why she said that at the time. But years later I see things like this. To me there was no option to not be there. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. I would be by her side no matter what happened. I miss her. She was the kindest person I ever met. It was my honor to take care of her. I only wish I could have had more time to take care of her. I wish I could pick her up again. Hold her. Talk to her. Life is to short. Tell your loved ones how you feel about them.

Getting seriously hurt or getting sick with a serious Illness really shows you who the real friends are.

There’s a young gentleman who was a med student after a car accident had the same injury. He finished his medical school, he is a doctor now.

I’m a T4 paraplegic. Paralyzed from my chest. It’s been 18 yrs. I hope for you to know that your injury doesn’t define who you are. And that life can be so full, rich and exciting. Stay positive!!

You will find out who is sincere & genuine when tragedy strikes

God bless that mother. Husband left her while pregnant. Lost oldest son in a wreck at just 20 years old. Then almost loses her other...never once heard the “why me?” I think he gets his strength and positivity from his mother! ❤️❤️❤️

When i got leukemia, my relationship didn't last long either, my friends stopped calling me, and suddenly, i was all alone. I had lucky with my mom though, even though she hadn't a driver license, she always managed to be there by my side every single day. She passed away almost two years ago and it's been very hard for me since then. But i try to move on, step by step, day by day...

My heart aches for this young man...first he loses his brother, then his ability to walk, then his fiance because she couldn't handle it...if he can get through this, he can get through anything...i have a profound respect and admiration for him....God Bless

My college friend’s son had a stroke at 17 yrs old, and is a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his left arm. After hospital and rehab, he is now, 3 yrs later, a college freshman! Anything is possible! And yes, your princess is most definitely out there!

We're happy that Ashley's story is having such a positive effect on so many of you. At Attitude, we're about supporting and encouraging others to live to their full potential so discouraging or abusive comments will be deleted.

Hang in there Ash - my younger sister has been paralyzed her entire life (birth injury). Never a "why me". She lives on her own in NYC. Doctors told us she wouldn't live past 16 - now at 68 she is still going strong. Love and blessings from Florida And God Bless your mum.

Absolutely no way he’s going to stay single

I definitely see him with a partner when the time is right. For now, growing and learning and figuring out this new life. I wish him the best.

Heartbreaking his fiancée left him so shortly after. I just want to give him a big hug. I know he will find the right girl someday soon!

I love the way he talked about his mum. She is why he's so strong.

I just suffered an SCI early September. I totally understand your level of grief and loss. I was an active dancer, performer, educator most my life... and now my world has been completely turned upside down. 😢 Sending healing energy to us both. 🙏🏾

I would love to see Attitude turn this into a series that follows Ashley’s recovery. It would also show his journey as a newly disabled person learning how to adapt from being a disability support worker to being a part of the disability community. I think it would be quite interesting!

I'm sorry this happened to you. With your personality and intelligence you'll lead a great life despite your injuries. Best of luck to you.

Seeing Ashley struggle to get in the car really hit me. What a lovely friend and friends he has. And his Mum is the best. This young man will achieve so much. He has a great support network around him.

Dear Ashley: wishing you the absolute best in life. You’re a blessing, and an inspiration!