S.C.I. Chronicles

Two years ago, my life changed overnight when I sustained a T3 ASIA B spinal cord injury, and this episode marks my second “Life Day.” In this episode, I’m reflecting on what the second year of life after injury has actually looked like — the wins, the lessons, and the moments that mattered. From building community and trying adaptive sports to continuing to navigate independence and everyday life in a wheelchair, this year has been about redefining what progress really means. Recovery doesn’t have to mean walking again to be meaningful, and this episode is a reminder that there is still success, connection, and a full life to be lived after spinal cord injury.

What does independence really mean after a spinal cord injury?

In this episode, I sit down with occupational therapist Leah Hazzard to unpack how independence shifts after injury. We talk about the real difference between OT and PT, how adaptive tools and support can actually increase independence, and what it looks like to build a meaningful, functional life as a wheelchair user.

If you’ve ever felt like you “lost” your independence, this conversation will challenge that definition — and maybe help you redefine it.

Grief is often talked about in the context of loss—but what about the grief that comes with trauma, life-altering injury, or becoming someone new after everything changes? In this episode, I’m joined by Shawntell Pace, a trauma psychologist, to unpack how grief shows up during spinal cord injury recovery and in trauma more broadly. We talk about the kinds of grief people don’t always name, how trauma reshapes identity and expectations, and what it can look like to hold both grief and growth at the same time. Whether you’re living with an SCI, supporting someone through trauma, or navigating your own complicated grief, this conversation offers insight, validation, and permission to feel what you feel.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy “Opie” Lade—Paralympian, Hall of Fame athlete, and longtime leader in adaptive sports—to talk about the importance of fitness after a spinal cord injury. We talk about how fitness and adaptive sports can shape life after injury, from physical health to confidence, identity, and community. Opie also shares why movement matters at every level—whether you’re chasing elite competition or simply looking to stay active—and how adaptive sports can open doors long after rehab ends.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the lessons this year has taught me—as my first full calendar year living with a spinal cord injury. In this episode, I share insights that came from trial and error, growth and adaptation and learning how to live in a body and world that look very different than before. This isn’t a highlight reel or a how-to guide—it’s an honest look at what this year demanded of me and what it gave back in return.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and teammate Steven Slack—though everyone calls him Slack—as we talk about his journey into parenthood after a spinal cord injury. Slack shares what becoming a parent looked like post-injury, from navigating physical and emotional changes to redefining expectations and finding confidence in a role many people wrongly assume isn’t possible for disabled parents. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and rooted in real life, offering insight for anyone curious about parenting with a disability or seeking representation that reflects the full spectrum of family life

In this episode, I share my experience trialing the Peristeen Plus transanal irrigation system—what it is, why I’m trying it, what the setup and training process look like and how things are going so far. I break down the basics of how Peristeen Plus works for neurogenic bowel management, what starting the trial actually involves, the learning curve, and the early wins and challenges I’ve run into. If you’re navigating life with an SCI, exploring bowel-management options, or just curious about what this process looks like in real life, this episode offers an honest look at adapting to a new routine and figuring out what works.

Learn more at https://products.coloplast.us/coloplast/continence-care/peristeen/peristeen-plus-tai/peristeen-plus-transanal-irrigation-system/?srsltid=AfmBOorWYntLdeOzZErlLvas9fr9NmlQR-goCZw5V0sMuRb1pYgn-0PM 

What if our homes, workplaces, and public spaces were designed from the start to work for everyone—no retrofits needed, no barriers to inclusion? In this episode, I sit down with Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and consultant in universal design, and co-creator of the Universal Design Living Laboratory, a groundbreaking home built to demonstrate how beautiful, functional spaces can be accessible to all. We explore how universal design goes beyond compliance to create environments that empower dignity, independence, and connection, showing how thoughtful design can make everyday life easier and more welcoming for everyone.

https://www.rosemariespeaks.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Amie Day to talk about what it’s like to grow up with a spinal cord injury. Amie shares her perspective as someone who’s lived with her injury since childhood, and how she found connection and community through adaptive sports. Together, we explore resilience, play and the unexpected similarities that shape life after injury.

This episode, I’m taking a break from the Rogue S.C.I. Alphabet theme to share a more personal update. I’m halfway into year two of my spinal cord injury, and I want to reflect on what these first six months have looked like. From new challenges to different activities and lessons learned along the way, this episode is all about where I am right now in my journey.

Whether you’ve been following since the beginning or are just tuning in, I hope this update gives you a glimpse into the realities of living life after injury—the ups, the downs, and everything in between.