What happened to Chris? The "short" story of how Chris aquired a SCI on May 2, 2020.

We have some new subscribers that may not know how we got here, so we figured it was story time. Valerie explains the details of what happened on May 2, 2020 that flipped Chris and his family's life upside down.
#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #caregiver #paraplegic #spinalcordinjury #caregiversupport #motorcycleaccident #husbandandwifeaccidentlawteam
#nevergiveup #findinghopealongthejourney

[@sharonf468]

Insurance was shopping for long term facilities after my son's TBI. Today, he's married and is running his own business. I sooooo get it.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I am so happy to hear he is doing well! Insurance companies drive me crazy. Thanks for sharing!

[@sandyfields9933]

May God continue to bless Chris & his family.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you!

[@LilyGazou]

I quit motorcycles after visiting my friend in a recovery place after her car accident. So many were there with SCI and TBI from bike accidents.

[@LilyGazou]

And I don’t have anyone to pick up the pieces.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Yep, many of our riding friends and family with bikes sold them off after Chris' injury. I've rehabbed a lot of patients, some of whom have gotten back on two wheels again. It's a hard balance to manage as a therapist. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

Oh my we live in chino valley and my husband rides to jerome on the highway. Prayers for Chris’ recovery

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you! One day we will get up to Jerome for a visit! Stay safe out there and thanks for watching!

[@janepearson5802]

What a miracle your husband survived. Not many would have lived . Prayers from uk

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you! I don't believe any other rider would have made it. Chris is just a bigger guy and built tough for sure! Wishing you all the best from across the pond!

[@janepearson5802]

@@findinghopealongthejourney good job he has a tough lady supporting him . God bless you both .

[@pixieclifton]

I worked 16 years at a brain injury rehabilitation facility I don’t understand why anyone would ever ride a motorcycle. The thrill could never be worth the very real risk of ending up “living” like the patients I worked with.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

It has been an interesting experience working in the field and also being a rider. I've rehabbed many motorcyclists before our accident, and just as many since then. Some get back on, some don't. My job is to get them to whichever goal they choose, but for those that do, I've told them if I catch them riding wild or without a helmet, I'm taking their keys! ;) Thanks for your hard work in the community. TBIs take a lot of rehab, love and understanding to make it through. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

[@abbyle70]

I just found your KZbin. First I want to thank your husband for his service for our country. I know Chris by your videos is a veteran but I feel you are too?? Secondly you’re amazing and because of this Chris is determined. I am so glad I found your journey. God Bless you and your family.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you so much! I am not a veteran, just a very proud wife and supporter of those who keep us safe in the night! Thank you for watching!

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

My husband is a bicyclist and i so worry when he’s riding the road. 😢

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I've worked with quite a few in therapy over the years. They are definitely at risk every ride, as well. Wishing he stays safe on his journeys! Thank you for sharing!

[@solomoncutlip8825]

My son was killed in 2022 because an idiot didn’t take 2 extra seconds to see or hear??my son’s Harley before he made a turn at 60mph into a bojangles parking lot. The only thing I’m thankful for was it was instant for my son. my therapists thinks it’s helpful to relate to others in similar situations. Not sure about that yet. Not sure about your situation but sounds like you fight hard in life too so I wish u guys the best

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I am so sorry for your loss. I think you will find your healing on your own schedule, no one can rush you through that and there is no limit to grieving. I wish people paid more attention on the road. We are thinking of you and your family as you continue to go through this loss of your son. Much love sent out to you!!

[@colleensample8041]

I am one of your new followers and I’m glad you did this video-the pain is evident in your voice and I can tell he has no better advocate for Chris! Sending out my good thoughts for continued progress and I will be staying around to watch him walk back into that hospital!!

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you so much! Even four years later, it still hurts my heart to know how much pain he was in. We went through all the processes, anger, grief, sadness, etc., but have come through and found ourselves again in advocating for others in our community. We are so appreciative of everyone joining us, so thanks for being here!

[@MOAB-UT]

Strong, smart and good woman. He is lucky to have her by his side.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Appreciate you!

[@leroysmith8203]

I too am a new subscriber to your channel. Thank you for sharing your story. Chris sounds like a great guy.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I am definitely biased, but he's an awesome guy! Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@beverly9885]

I’m so glad you shared what happened to Chris. I’m a new subscriber, and very impressed and motivated by his progress.I know you have been a huge part of his rehabilitation process, and just day to day life. ❤️

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

We appreciate you joining us on this journey!

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Wow. What a story. We ride and are always aware that things can happen so fast.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

All the gear, all the time! Stay safe out there!!

[@user-ys7uo4fw3h]

Pray for recovery

[@leatharay3565]

I try to be very aware of bikers when I drive…I hate it when they weave in and out of cars.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I'm not a fan of lane splitting. They just passed a limited lane splitting allowance in AZ, specifying that traffic must be stopped before the motorcycle can move up to the front of the light. That I understand, it'll help keep them from getting rear-ended. However, it has turned into a lot of riders lane splitting on the highways.Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@anng5422]

Awesome!!!

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you!

[@j.m.1806]

It's not if you drop your bike it's when. Gambling can be very destructive. Be well

[@MOAB-UT]

Sorry this happened. She did a great job of explaining what happened- many details.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

We appreciate your feedback. Thank you for sharing!

[@MOAB-UT]

@@findinghopealongthejourney Sure. I sold my bike years ago. Nearly the same thing happened 2 years ago to my friend. He was 20 something- new family, new job and he went down. Now he is also confined to a bed for life. Only one arm partially works. Riding is fun but not worth the risk. Are you still going to ride?

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

@@MOAB-UT we gave up riding after Chris' injury. My whole family and a lot of friends all sold their bikes. Occasionally we get him into a Can-Am, and he has a off-road wheelchair, but we gave up the wild stuff and settled into cruising! Haha! There are some adapted bikes out there, but right now I am not sure that Chris would get back onto a bike. It's been a hard road coming back from his injury. Sending healing thoughts and prayers to your friend.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@findinghopealongthejourney I sold mine too- quit while I was ahead. Glad he is adapting and still getting out there once in a while.

[@clairesauve7832]

Sorry you have to fight at each turn for services/equipment. It seems to be the standard. My 26 yo son had a 3rd degree burn work accident on 25% of his body. I had to do the same. Even for a Swiss ball! If after 4 years he's still recovering, I mean, sky is the limit! Thank God for your miracle!

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

Thank you for your comment! I am so sorry to hear about your son's injury. I hope that he is healing well. I am sure he is super grateful for having you by his side to advocate for his care. Keeping you in our prayers!

[@MoreThanMistified]

🙏🙏🙏🌹⭐️

[@starriderkittykat9064]

My Ex was Prez of a MC and no matter were we went it was always 100 mph unless it was a charity run or poker run... Ive been riding since 1982 And know the risks.. I got mangled in a dn cage,some jerk talking on his cell hit the car i was a passenger in head on,like hitting a brick wall doing over 50mph.. Ive had two spinal surgeries in 2019 and live in agony... So dont matter bike or car,one day youe the target!

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. People are so inconsiderate and the phone use is ridiculous. I've nearly been taken out on the freeway from people talking with their phone to the ear that never checked the blindspot. Hope you are able to find relief for your pain. Thanks for checking in on our page!

[@user-pm3ee2si5y]

I come from a motorcycle cycle riding family. I had to stop riding with my husband because he would not accept thst motor cycles have to follow the same rules as cars. It's a sad accident, but it didn't have to happen. Like you said there was a line of cars. Motor cycles have to learn they have to wait the same as cars. I know they are smaller and the temptation is to just pass on by. No one should have passed that truck. It was carelessness

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I appreciate your view, I really do. In this case, the driver of that truck lost his suit due to driving 8-20mph in a 55 mph zone for over 15 minutes, refusing to pull into the right hand slow lane for passing more than once, and admitting he had bad brakes which is why he didn't want to drive the speed limit. No hazard lights, and plenty of pulloffs. As I said, the reality is that if it weren't him, it could have been a hit from behind by a distracted driver. I do agree that laws are purposeful. At the end of the day, it was an unfortunate accident. If any rider takes lesson here, it is certainly to follow the laws of the road, be as patient as can be, and keep your head on a swivel. I appreciate you opening up the discussion because everyone can certainly learn from what we've been through. Including those hauling heavy equipment with poor consideration for others and unsafe vehicle maintenance. 😉 Wishing you all the best and hope all those riders in your family stay safe out there! ❤️

[@doglover8204]

I admire your grace and ability to be kind to those who feel the need to chastise your husband’s actions on the day of his accident. Know one knows what the right move to take was in this case. The guy pulled over….. in my mind that is where he belonged until the majority of the traffic passed. Your situation is so tough…. your hubby has worked hard and you have worked even harder to see that his goals are achieved and you are set on fighting the system to continue to get him the best of care no matter what. Your calm and positive attitude is essential to those facing the type of injuries your husband has endured. We would all be lucky to have someone like you on “our team” in these types of experiences. I applaud you and am pulling for your hubby. ❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

@@doglover8204 I appreciate your response. That's the hard part about sharing our life experiences, there's always going to be different opinions and perspectives. The comment section isn't for anyone with thin skin, for sure. ;) At the end of the day, I just hope we can improve motorcycle awareness, share Chris' recovery and hopefully provide hope to someone else just starting out. Thanks again for your support!

[@saharazin]

I just found your video this evening. It gave me hope when hope is hard to find from therapists and doctors.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

@@saharazin Never give up your hope. Thank you so much for being here!

[@sananselmospacescienceodys7308]

Motorcycles scare me silly.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

I can understand that for sure. Appreciate you being here!

[@sasori100x]

I decided to never ride a motorcycle when I was younger after seeing someone get hurt. I don't feel like I am missing a thing at all. Seems fun, but I just don't think it's the worth it kind of fun for me when the risks.

[@findinghopealongthejourney]

There were definitely more fun days than bad, but when it was bad, it was really bad! Some folks ride for decades and never have a bad encounter. Just luckier than we were I suppose. Thanks for watching and commenting!