Adrenalin Junkie Living With Quadriplegia Regains Independence

[@vianeesaidwei7754]

His friends are so nice , and he has an amazing smile on his face

[@anitakuryla847]

That is great that you have friends that can help you out and do things for you it would be cool if there was some kind of company that could set up some special equipment for you to do surfing and the things that you love to do you are amazing person and Keep On Truckin what you do don't let anybody tell you that you can't do anything and you know you can I watched the video and I am glad that you have friends that are there by your side

[@steveimperial7760]

Wait till his lol mates get jobs and girlfriends and kids lets see if they still hang around all day.

[@Matowix]

@@steveimperial7760 they wont

[@skypeters3034]

Those are some dope ass friends. They are real friends.

[@johnjkizer6399]

True friends are really rare, you will find out just how many faithful friends you have when you become disabled, most if not all will leave you because they cannot handle you disability, family is the most important, they will always be there, it’s sad in a way because when you become disabled it affects your family just as much as it does you, but most important seek God, God will give you strength to overcome anything. Peace and God bless

[@lindamarie6574]

Anytime I watched these kind of videos, I am just amazed at the strength and positivity of these people! God bless them all!

[@A-Z687]

You see what they want you to man

[@rafsta001]

Those friends seem to be lifelong friends that people like me seek to find in life. How fortunate for you Gareth to be surrounded by so much love and kindness. Your story is one of hope, strength and determination.

[@marikotrue3488]

Such a pure, simple and true way of phrasing it, when Gareth says that people with spinal injuries are the same as everyone else...they just cannot stand up.

[@A-Z687]

No, think about bathroom

[@mckennawoodhead687]

about the same injury a little lower. c7 quadrapalegic at 14 with a jet ski accident. I wanted to do exactly the things he did. Explore, live at the beach, have fun, and I was so active before. It’s sad and you definitely have many downs and realization how many things you can’t do anymore. but gotta keep your head up. praying for you Gareth

[@NZKiwi87]

Those friends tho! Fantastic, well done guys

[@suewinter3693]

What a great support group around this guy. He is blessed.

[@willemvanleeuwen1727]

Thank god for your friends. My hat off to them

[@kaydearborn7913]

He has the most AMAZING friends anyone could ask for!!! He's very lucky for that.

[@jahcode6132]

Two months ago I had a close call involving a mountain biking accident. I feel 7 feet and landed directly on my head, cracking my helmet in 3 places. I still can’t believe I walked away from it with bruised vertebrae and a sprained collarbone joint. I couldn’t stop thinking about what if I wasn’t so lucky. Seeing that there is always a way to move forward and live a fulfilling life no matter what has been therapeutic for me for sure.

[@tyreebrownart]

Meanwhile, I’m over here struggling to get a text back from anyone and you have a whole crew. I’m happy for you Gareth! Keep up the good work! (👋🏾incomplete c5)

[@brendarawlins9417]

Take care and keep safe

[@jacquel2ne]

Such an inspiring story! Love how you speak about your friends so highly! May we all be so blessed to have friends like that!

[@vocepode1]

I decided to watch this video because 17 years ago I was diving in the beach and I broke my neck at the level of C5 and I had a spinal cord injury as well...I had the same experience when I hit my head, I was completely aware, just not being able to move and being upside down underwater... My friends took me from the water at the right time. Thank God after 4 months I could recover many of my movements. It is a bit of my history. I am learning English now

[@lorealej9817]

I am a C3 incomplete after a near fatal car accident in 2016. Initially, I was a quadriplegic but have regained my independence after 4 years of continuous physical therapy. By the way, I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to second language learners here in California. Let me know if you want to practice or when you simply want to compare notes regarding our SCI or engage in some silly chat in English. Take care.

[@lorriefinley3129]

Amazing what changes in Rehab medicine has done for improving healing of SCIs & regaining so much more mobility & independence.

[@RosieBenjiLifestyle]

Find myself here after looking at roll w cole and charisma and a few other similar videos. Support always. You all are stronger than you think. Ppl should stop complaining and appreciate what they have in life. Thumbs up 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@roxieeyeleers4465]

What a handsome young man. He'll not have the life he had envisioned, but he can still have a great life.

[@joshski85]

@M Detlef You're making a hell of a lot of assumptions there. Assuming he and millions of other spinal cord injuries remain unemployed which statistics show once hired disabled employees are far more likely to stay employed. This young man clearly has drive so my money would be on that not being the case. Whilst it was stupid, it's also biological. Young men/boys are far more prone to take risks. I also think he's kind of aware that it was stupid considering he's now living with the implications, so pointing it out is as redundant as my legs.

[@garethlynch6563]

@M Detlef I do actually have a job, I work full time in the discipline I studied at university. I'd really appreciate it if you never made an assumption and posted something so negative without having any clue. Many people with SCIs work full time. Grow up.

[@garethlynch6563]

@@joshski85 Nailed it man :)

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@joshski85 he can be positive, and that is a better life than what you posted.

[@joshski85]

@@morgancalvi6675 What?

[@Leesion73]

GO Gareth, would love to meet you sometime man, 30 year SCI veteran here, same level injury, finished 2 degrees from major US University, now a licensed practicing therapist and independent homeowner, feel free to message if the mood strikes, all my best from the US man, NICE work and recovery, impressive, returning to university in the first year is amazing

[@p0llux9]

Hi Lee, I'm 25 years complete c5-c6 SCI woman. I've read your feedback and I'd like to know what your job is, as you've written that you're a licensed therapist. Thanks

[@Leesion73]

Hi Emanueala:) I am an LPC (licensed professional counselor), my private practice is www.leejameslpc.com if you'd like to visit. I spent my first 12 years doing community mental health team based outreach, and specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with dually diagnosed schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. You considering a similar field? Be well!

[@sharonfloyd6288]

Lee , congratulations on your education. And what you’re going to do in life to help others. You’re very nice person. I wish the very best life for you and everyone else.👍🏻

[@warialdasue]

What an awesome bunch of blokes your mates are

[@Austins126]

Awesome network of mates. You have a great outlook and feel you are going to achieve so much 👏

[@MOAB-UT]

Stay strong man!

[@MrRooXs]

Those are some awesome mates. I cant wait to get back in the water. Been paralyzed now for 7 months. It's good to get back in the game early. Awesome watch.

[@gabrielasz94]

Gareth you are amazing! And very easy on the eyes, too :) (Sorry, I just couldn't help myself, haha). I have a physical disability too and I really admire your attitude. Wishing you all the best for the future!!

[@aaamama5187]

Gabriela Szypuła haha I come agree!! He's so cute!!

[@iwwhaley04]

Holy shat dude. This makes you rethink alot of things in life, nothing bad towards you at all. But this is an eye opener and more people need to see this!! 😢 I am so sorry this happened to you bud. Stay strong and be a fighter. Your doing awesome and you have great friends that I hope are still there for you.

[@cyberspacecadette777]

My father was an Occupational Therapist and from the stories he told me, I was very cautious. Many people he worked with broke their necks in motorcycle accidents. This was way back in the 1960s.

[@-seesaw-kpop4370]

I'm glad he has such a good group of friends. he seems like a realy nice person who has a positive out look on life even tho it's realy hard and challenging

[@1989422dukechen]

I dislocated my right arm doing bmx when I was 16 and it basically ended all my competitive sports possibilities for the rest of my life. it is not worth it doing all these stunts.

[@strictlyhardrap1688]

unless a kid has a made decision that they want to pursue sports professionally in the future as adults then they shouldn’t play sports at all….. no point of damaging your body for nothing

[@jmitropoulos]

What an attractive human being. I’d love to meet someone like him - so humble.

[@chavale2]

Unfortunately Gaz did not learn Judo before attempting the stunts; I learnt Judo from a Monk when I was 11 years : it gave me ways to fall correctly not to break my neck and to defend my life (once) with a crazy guy wanting to pump a shot gun and shot me...

[@vanessarichard6010]

You have wonderful people around you, Gareth. Love your story. You are amazing and inspiration to others. God bless!

[@Arizonaheat956]

I feel compelled to tell the viewers that I am a C5 C6 quadriplegic since 1973. I was 17 when I didn't see a car and crossed the road on my bicycle. Back then I didn't receive any type of insurance Compensation, but went back to school in my manual wheelchair and went through college and earned degrees, and a living at various jobs for the last 40 years. Have been retired 5 years now. My wife died after contracting multiple sclerosis 35 years ago and she is dead now. I spent a lot of years taking care of her as well as taking care of myself as a quadriplegic. Family didn't do much for me because they all spread away. I purposefully steered clear of government handouts since they can trap you and reduce your independence. Get out and get involved. Work. I worked in Insurance, Financials, and medical. Do it...

[@Gosia9585]

You are so right Love the Outlook you have on life and I am so sorry about your wife and your accident Keep going - you are amazing Love from Poland :)

[@catman8670]

No one can really know what it’s like unless you suffer this kind of injury. I think I would try to regain my independence as soon as possible 👍

[@priyanka3608]

Was waiting for this upload since I watched the trailer. Wish the best for Gareth and his friends who are exceptionally fun and caring.

[@vegaslady2023]

What a great video. So proud of you... inspirational.. hope i see one of you again.

[@kinder101]

I wish you nothing but the best in life and I'm very happy you have friends you can reply on whenever you need them.

[@infinitalocura]

I really like him 💜

[@missymason3850]

Thankyou for sharing the story.

[@arlenealmaden7131]

You're such an inspiration of being positive !! I love it!!

[@yoyaomar3976]

God bless you ❤

[@missymason3850]

Wheelchair rugby just awesome! Just AWESOME! Iv assisted a tetraplegic in wheelchair rugby in his team. So awesome experience. And to you Gareth ...kiakaha

[@cynthg9547]

Im paralized from waist down /my friends dropped me i use to be the one that would take them out guess they only liked me when i had legs to walk

[@ruthdawang9915]

So sorry to hear that. I hope you have made new real friends. Keep strong. God bless you.

[@Pilotslimm]

I’ll be your friend ❤️

[@neuroepithelialcyst]

I can walk but have no friends. So do not be sad. Greetings from Turkey to you :)

[@judygonzalez4280]

You would be surprised how many people don’t have that many real friends. We are out there! Try to get out when you can or use whatever you can to communicate there are real nice people out there who accept us just the way we are.

[@olir6910]

They were never your friend's, they're horrible people

[@violettaplatar8341]

Thanks for sharing the story, in the first place. There is a misunderstanding, however. Being an "adrenaline junkie" and deliberately wanting to hurt yourself are different things. And answering the initial question, this particular incident cannot be prevented, unfortunately. Anyway, he is surrounded by amazing people, the injury is incomplete, meaning there is hope, and he now fully understands what happened. Wish him the best luck and I am pretty sure he will still make great strides.

[@gordonlekfors2708]

surely it could have been prevented by not doing the stunt. or at least not botching the landing

[@sharonfloyd6288]

Thank you for your story. You come a long ways in such a short time. Amazing. Your friends are amazing and your girlfriend is amazing. In the US, we have the disability act. Every business has to be wheelchair accessible are they will be sued by someone in a wheelchair. I don’t know the laws in New Zealand. But I would check that out and that would make a big life-changing for a lot of people. You’re going to go very far in life. I have worked with a few clouds and a lot of disabled young men. But I always try to have them do everything to the best of their ability even if they would get upset with me. It’s OK! Prayers for you. And Thank you , USA Keep up the gym. Like you want me telling you what to do LOL

[@Imogencoleman1]

I am 22 and I have autism and anxiety

[@kejuantaylor21]

I'm c5 c6 the wheelchair ♿ will not hold me Down I have leg movement and I'm constantly moving 😇..who ever see this you will walk again don't believe anything else you hear ❤❤ keep retraining the movement you have. 🧠💪

[@ashleyorben1859]

wish I had friends

[@Duddie82]

It is Awesome your friends are there to help you. Many have a different outcome. Most of the time friends stay away. So, i am happy your friends are there, and they help you. That is very good. I am wheelchair bound. I was in an accident at 2 yrs old. I did walk most of my life, but now I use a TiLite ZRA Rigid chair. I do have spinal cord damage, but it effects my legs only. You can see my picture, I don't have any issues with my upper body. I can't imagine how it feels to become disabled after many years of life. I do not remember when I was in the hospital. Being so young, i did not know life before my accident. I am happy you were pulled out of that pool. That must have been horrible holding your breath, waiting to be pulled up. Its Very cool your friends are still with you. Thank you to all your friends. You guys/girls are Awesome!!!!

[@archanamurthy.]

Wow! What an amazing bunch of friends you have :) you are truly blessed. Your story brought me to tears and smiles. You are a fighter. Looking at your story, a sense of calmness dawned upon me that it's all OK in the end. ( I am on a recovery journey of my own currently) Thank you for inspiring me :)

[@bumponlog]

Love this series.

[@1989422dukechen]

I think diving is so dangerous and without complete knowledge and security it is better not attempted.

[@bunnylover6481]

Gareth you are amazing!!! So are your family and friends.

[@AFXMCOM]

GARETH: YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES DUDE !

[@lekla5526]

what a great guy!

[@The_Food_Police]

Oh wow I'm early. This guy is an inspiration.

[@hansolo3504]

Having friends like this makes all the difference. Most people who are paralyzed end up in a home and are abused by sick people. It’s like living in hell

[@SupernovaDragon77]

People really need to stop jumping into pools of water without knowing how deep it is!!

[@singstreetcar5881]

Almost every spinal cord injury is jumping into a pool or river or lake

[@char8059]

What an amazing young man! So very motivated and strong in mind and spirit! A better group of friends can be found nowhere! I foresee great things from Gareth in the years to come and a lifetime of lifelong friends along for the journey!! Amazing and inspiring story! 👍🙂 GO Gareth!!!

[@scraps270]

Good luck to you Gareth fate has put you on a difficult path. You're gonna be ok.

[@denisepickering2119]

Your such an inspiring young man x thankyou for sharing this. Friends are amazing . Your smile says it all xxx

[@jdkrasinki2214]

fudging hell those dudes on chairs are ALL FITTER than me

[@pennymayphilip9646]

Sorry to hijack your post! I'm looking for a Freewheel type attachment for a power chair & thought that with the Kiwi reputation for extreme sports & thinking outside the box that there might be something in New Zealand :-) Can't find anything here in South Africa.

[@lorriefinley3129]

A positive attitude before an injury can be instrumental in a favorable outcome in Rehab and ongoing improvement. This and a wonderful Significant Other who who also a positive attitude!

[@flan9110]

It reminds me of me before you movie idk why

[@hogsworthhammer9211]

Total bummer, man.

[@olivedog1880]

He’s got amazing friends.

[@samanthaford272]

Such good friends.

[@messybunmurderconnoisseur8603]

Garett, you’re pretty fricking awesome dude !!

[@billymccaughey3741]

Don't you just love beautiful humans?!♥️♥️

[@todydn]

Dude I want to help people like that lady that cares for him

[@qammararshad6891]

God bless you. Amen

[@missymason3850]

Tinorangatiratanga. Just amazing:)

[@p0llux9]

Very nice Friends, Gareth. They're really a blassing. I'm a 25 years complete c5-c6 (actually more c5 than c5-c6 ;) ) SCI woman and I've pain in my elbows, wrists and Hands for almost 20 years. Pain is not always hard but still every day 24 h/365 day also When I do nothing. Phisicians tell me that is due to overcharging and neuropathic pain. So, It's strange for me seing you pulling up and pushing down Gym weights because this activity has becom to me to much painful. Thanks. :)

[@phei3xoloxi3pher97]

So sweet.. Can you give us an update?

[@yoloclos5148]

Really enjoyed watching this.

[@felicitymemela1963]

Well he is handsome & inspirational

[@TheWonderman1964]

Loyal friends 🧡.

[@devonellis2418]

Love these videos

[@judygonzalez4280]

Wow! You have such a strong personality so much love in your love . You are easy to love! Yes, thanks to all you said only made you stronger and better!!

[@rollwiththepunches5932]

great work mate, its important to share your story to inspire others, thank you! i broke my neck surfing in 1998 and i decided to share my story on my channel to inspire people and im getting a lot of good feedback!

[@gordonlekfors2708]

nice! keep it going 🤜🤛

[@codyeverson1116]

Gareth you look like such a sweet guy!

[@linolium4814]

I'm also in a wheelchair. But unfortunately I lost most of my friends because of my illness. :/

[@georginaigbokwe1461]

Mik P ❤

[@Beautybizz28]

Mik P :)

[@cosadan1643]

I am sorry to hear that ... i am a quadraplegic and i understant you ... its hard To seem them go away but you have to remember you have your life ... and its just one ... its hard but you will be a winner. If you want to talk with somebody , i am here... we are in a technological time that we can comunicate. In different forms ... skype , watsapp . Mail ... hell if it makes you feel better i will send you a letter😃

[@linolium4814]

Super Dan That Iis very kind of you, I really appreciate it. But it's okay, I found new friends. :)

[@cosadan1643]

Mik P Happy to hear that. Keep your head up , you deserve it . And don t forget the most important person in your life its you . Take care of you. Wish you all the best.

[@syrianabirim7671]

enjoy your life dear

[@sihamch1645]

Good luck

[@sfar024]

❤ moved my soul and now will move my feet for you. 👣🏃

[@HighTen_Melanie]

sfar024 that’s a really insensitive thing to say. Are you trying to be insulting?

[@deniselancaster6888]

What's happened after uni?

[@MyLast2Braincells84]

If a bone is compressing the spinal cord and not actually severed or cut it isn't there any kind of delicate surgery they can do to release the bone?

[@stankatbarrell9878]

E Bergenberg I think the surgery would be risky because it is so close to a sensitive part of his body and it could make things worse

[@joshski85]

What's likely to have happened is his spine has partly severed or bruised his cord.

[@cloramurphy3838]

Active

[@swiikmo3685]

Allah ychafik w y3afik

[@arcana830]

one hell of a risk buddy..

[@amandabotterill1000]

Aww.ur gorgeous i totaly get your frustration i have a neck i jury yes family my kids things are like wat do without them xxxx

[@jojopeter4520]

Good on you, Gareth.

[@skinncosmetics1979]

Can anyone experience ringing ear with spinal cord injury

[@LessThanThree76]

Noticed that this was another ”Bulletproof” video. You should put it in the title of the video as well. I thought I saw them all, but obviously not. ☺️

[@gavintreemer1224]

I am a C5 Quabritlegic in a wheelchair and show the people when we can not go to the toilet,

[@moeyruth8056]

💜

[@steveimperial7760]

Is that the only shirt he has?

[@Imogencoleman1]

Hello ooo xx

[@alain8747]

Ta moelle épinière n'est pas totalement sectionnée alors garde espoir .Si tu as une grande partie de ton corps encore sensible tu peux sentir le vent le soleil le froid .Ne désespère pas .🤞Ça va s’améliorer

[@primavera198]

what a huge tragedy for such an enthusiastic and emphatic Boy. it´s really strange.. why do such accidents motly happen to good People and not to assholes?

[@pacolavin]

Jumping off the roof, what could possibly go wrong? It's not about being good or bad. He just have to assume the consequences of his actions. Silly stunts, no thanks.

[@cahayanoer5345]

God bless u 😍

[@karolbirmingham6385]

Come on people let's get to work we should build something/ come up with a cure.to fix this people up!

[@user-kk8zw7to8u]

hello

[@singstreetcar5881]

Pls never jump into a pool ever. Never do a dare with ur friends Never let anyone pressure u into doing something u dont wanna do.