LIVE QUICKIE BLOG

I felt fortunate that I had gone to Disneyland twice in 2007, because in 2008 I was in a car accident that paralyzed me from the waist down. After becoming a wheelchair user, the thought of going to Disneyland was terrifying to me. I didn't know how accessible it would be and the thought of being amidst the huge crowds gave me anxiety.

As a newly graduated recreation therapist I was extremely excited to get a job working at a pediatric rehabilitation and transitional care hospital. In the months leading up to the holiday season my supervisor attempted to prepare me for the craziness that would ensue starting in November. The fascinating part was each time anyone in our rehabilitation department would talk about all that goes into executing a successful holiday season, the entire department would become giddy with excitement.

If you ask me about my journey of being a person with a disability, I will tell you that it's not always been easy, but I am going further emotionally, spiritually, and physically than I ever thought possible. Having the courage to face my fears and keep pushing forward, has led me to some of the most amazing experiences and the fulfillment of my wildest dreams.

I've been a physical therapist for nearly 17 years, with the first seven years of my career providing direct patient care as a licensed physical therapist. I went to work for Sunrise Medical as a sales representative in the Los Angeles area in early 2008, and shortly thereafter I transitioned to become a clinical rehab manager with Sunrise Medical. Although I was in the field working with end-users, the one-on-one nature of my role had changed dramatically.

Spencer West is a household name in our community largely due to his motivational speaking for WE, his role as ambassador, and his humanitarian efforts. Some of these efforts include Spencer's amazing journey on June 13, 2012 when he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise funds to provide clean water to over 12,500 people. His 187-mile (300 km) journey from Edmonton to Calgary on his hands and in his wheelchair continues to redefine what's possible.