Life after a Spinal Cord Injury

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

I was born with an eye disease that caused me to lose the majority of my sight at 14. Adjusting to being disabled is VERY difficult and there's a long grieving process that you have to go through. It's been 9 years since then, I'm 23 now, and I can say I wouldn't change a thing. That's not something I just SAY to sound good, it's something I truly feel, believe, and mean with all my heart. Being blind isn't easy, but it's given and shown me so much in life that I'd never have if I was sighted. I hope that Amanda finds that acceptance and peace with her injury.

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for sharing your story Molly! Hope you enjoyed the documentary 😊

[@blumberg1982]

Molly!

[@qdbodisava9210]

Tearing up.....listening to you.....but you are alive with your beautiful family.....may God continue strengthening and blessing you and yours!

[@robjames8884]

Amanda, thank you. I have finally found someone that can say what I think k and feel. I am 9 months from my accident and still cry daily. still believe that it would have been better for those around me if I had died that day also. I'm trying to be strong also everyday but it's hard. thank you for saying what I feel everyday.

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for sharing your very personal story Rob! we hope you are well and stay strong

[@melaniewalker5226]

I live in the UK, I was watching the news 4 days ago and they are getting closer to curing spinal injuries. It might be worth looking into, they did say they are getting nearer to understanding spinal cord injuries. They are having quite a lot of success with mice and rats. I'm so sorry that you have had your accident and are now unable to walk. There's a documentary on KZbin about a gentleman who has started walking after 25 years in a wheelchair.

[@wheelboy5827]

Hello Amanda, I'm quad C5-C6 since the July 18th 1977. I worked vey hard like you for become autonmous. I terminated my collegial school in 1981, and in 1984 after three part time work I find a permanent work of 5 February 1985 to 3 Marsh 2011. I buyed my house and I live with my wife sinice 1979. I liked your story and sorry for my bad english. Continue to work hard, hoping have news of you soon. Bye and thanks. :)

[@acooksla]

I can so relate to what she is saying about grieving her physical fitness. I just came out of a three year period of body parts being replaced - one right after another. Two hips and a knee. Before that I was very fit and active and athletic and during this past three years I have lost 80% of my fitness. It’s been heartbreaking for me to look at my body and feel it’s weakness. To see the loose skin and experience the lack of energy when trying to do the simplest thing. After a solid year of PT, I am finally seeing results but still have a long way to go. From someone who worked out everyday and could do just about everything physical to now, being able to walk normally, ride a bike a bit and swim it’s something I will never take for granted. I feel for her, the grieving is real. I don’t think I will ever be back to how I was.. I am just thankful I can move.

[@frenesisalvaje2129]

She has such charisma and hungers some much for life. I truly admire her. And her partner is so loyal... Two beautiful souls have found each other!!!

[@raggedy_esh]

It is frightening how fragile we really are and how much life can be turned upside down in just a fleeting moment. Kia kaha to you, Amanda. Such a great storyteller - you have so eloquently given us a little insight into this life that is yours

[@ukeelady]

Having been disabled since 2008, I finally learned that those around me needed to give me space to grieve ...all five stages - with respect & no demands that I meet their expectations. I wish Amanda & her lovely partner and their family all the very best in their journey to acceptance. (Acceptance only means that they are where they are, and can move forward from there.) ox

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for your feedback Carolyn, hope you enjoyed this episode and stay tuned!

[@arleighmack8254]

It's very admirable how hard she works I really wish the best for her and her family

[@hunterprentiss1578]

I am a graduating RN and this is the last of my studies, SCI. A classmate posted this into a chat and said it was lengthy, but worth the watch....this made me cry at some parts!

[@alexespitia4326]

Hi girls I just wanted to say I can connect in wanting to die after coming back from acoma from being hit by a drunk driver. I have a c1 c2, 5 and 6 broken ribs which punched my lungs and I had to be intubated, I had my pelvis fractured in 3 spots ,my left knee shattered, I lost my voice and woke up paralyzed on my right side behind leg and arm. I felt the same just wanted to die and that was before any of my struggles, I thought in 6 months or so I would be up on crutches but I'm going on 3 years Oct 1st 2019. I've learned it's all about attitude and accepting how you are . It's hard cus I use to be really physical and train for mixed martial arts now I've had 7 surgeries on my knee and cant bend it cus it has a rod. Life goes on , I have kids and that's what my motivation is now. Thank you for your great video and I hope you keep up the hard work. Shout out to your loving support system 👍

[@hairynipps2599]

Your extremely strong

[@itsmelive]

Oh my god. Wheelchair rugby is freaking intense and Amanda is a beast.

[@alaskangirl86]

I understand everything you have went threw. I was in a bad car accident and it took under 6 months to learn how to walk. I'm in alot of pain 24/7... I can't do alot of stuff i use to do. My kid's helped. We prayed before and after everyday. Take care and God Bless You Amanda.

[@susandruce1064]

i really enjoyed this documentry...the grit and determination this lady has, is inspiring...and a lovely family to boot....good on you girl....and god bless

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching Susan!

[@AP-sx4nx]

Absolutely love this series. The world needs to see amazing stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I love how their relationship is still committed and growing, just beautiful!!!!

[@Chelle1214]

I developed ataxia and right sided hemispheric weakness about five months ago. It's been so difficult to adjust with two young children, one with a disability himself moving is definitely on my mind. Pavements are absolutely so impossible I'm hoping my OT comes through with a power assist this year. This is further ahead than I am and it's wonderful to see Amanda come out of the darkness and find things she loves .

[@lesliemoree2299]

I’m so sorry this major life changing event happened to you! Adjusting to life with a major disability is difficult and it makes you look at life from a different perspective with a definite new profound appreciation. May God continue to bless your family! Thank you for being so positive in light of a major catastrophe! Ya’ll are a beautiful couple and have a beautiful family!

[@trewrioo3426]

God Bless Amanda and family!

[@AttitudeLive]

Hope you enjoyed the episode ! Thanks for watching!

[@maggieolson9206]

What an amazing story of love and strength! I admire you all!!

[@scottprendergast3188]

she has a very kind face very warm and open hope.ahe finds a good balance.of.hapiness

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching Scott! Hope you enjoyed the episode!😀

[@interestedtech]

Bless your beautiful soul for sharing your experience...* hug*

[@robray7106]

Keep moving forward! You are a very strong person and your family is awesome with their support! 😍😀

[@twinbecause4340]

You need a lot of strength. and patience.. I also have a spinal injury after a car accident.

[@AttitudeLive]

Thank you for sharing, we wish you the best of luck.

[@AhmedRaza-sb9cs]

Same here from 3 years

[@todydn]

You are still strong some people cope with all out positivity you go at it like it's fight with some anger and fire so I think you'll make it further than any doctor will tell you is possible

[@BeckyBebeh865]

Can you do an update on her & her family? :)

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching - we are looking at doing some follow up documentaries in 2017, so watch this space!

[@LessThanThree76]

Attitude Still no update?

[@olivedog1880]

she's very hard on herself, I don't blame her, but she didn't injure herself on purpose. mistakes happen, catastrophic events happen. I think she's a strong woman, still learning how to use her "different" body. I admire her strength, and her partner seems very supportive as well. I wish the best for this family. it broke my heart when she said she couldn't comfort her baby girl, I see a bright future for her still.

[@AttitudeLive]

Amanda is certainly resilient :)

[@magdalenatwarog7233]

Keep fighting

[@LessThanThree76]

Brave incredible Gemma. ❤️ And if you guys by any chance read this.., it WILL get easier to do more stuff etc as the kids grow older and are able to help with more things around the house, pack their own beach bag etc. ☺️👍

[@TheVictorb69]

You just touch my heart and you are truly amazing plus inspirational too!!! You rock 🤘🏽

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching TheVictorb69 , hope you enjoyed!

[@qammararshad6891]

God bless you. Amen

[@rochellefortune3719]

would love a update

[@missymason3850]

Wheelchair rugby amazing awesome sport!

[@punjrajrajpurohit3721]

I am a paraplegic patient

[@aleesarma2914]

I m also a disabled woman now last 1 yr.My right side not work properly.i walk and take food but very slowly.I can't walking long distance and right elbow lock due to head injury.no one help me.I felt I will committing suicide but not my power.when power in my mind I will committing suicide.

[@nieverodriguez2138]

Wow God Bless you Stay Strong 💪🏻 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️👏🏼👏🏼

[@twinbecause4340]

Hi ! It's great

[@AttitudeLive]

Hope you enjoyed the episode ! Thanks for watching!😀

[@laura565]

❤

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

❤️🙏🏻❤️ best wishes, but you’re blessed with a beautiful and sweet women, and beautiful kids.. But I geld your feeling I’m happy in the gym, smal world but in the big world I’m just the one,and I lay a lot because the many pain… big love from Holland and sorry I’m a man 😉 kidding😘

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

O you so close, I was bodybuilder always in shape for the next game..

[@marianaposada9592]

Obviously she is sociologist, like me🌻🌼🏳️‍🌈💜💚

[@LectronCircuits]

We must engineer a true fix straight away; until then, there's only a semblance of life after a spinal cord injury. Cheers!

[@abc-jm2zq]

A lesson to never go surfing

[@rolandriddle7674]

Im sorry but the me me me thing is quite annoying...

[@hairynipps2599]

Dood u need to stop. 😆 I like to see u go through that Roland. Please tell me of your amazing life 😆

[@warialdasue]

Don’t watch it then