Dawn Colson
In 2017, I was living a “normal” life as I thought. I was working 3 jobs and considered myself healthy. But quickly things changed. I started noticing small things that I couldn’t do such as button up buttons or open a 2 liter soda bottle. My family then started noticing other things happening to me such as weight loss and kind of leaning towards my left side when I walked. After several trips to the doctor, many tests and a little over a month, I was finally diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. I’ve had two surgeries to remove the tumor, which have left me a quadriplegic. My life basically changed in an instant. I walked into the hospital the day of my first surgery and woke up and could barely move. I was not prepared for what was going to be my new normal. Being a quadriplegic, I have to depend on others for all activities of daily living. This new life of mine is one of the hardest things that I have ever done and far from easy.
People often ask me how I stay positive. My answer to them is that even though I unable to do the things that I used to do I know that God has a plan for me. I feel that having a positive attitude helps a great deal when it comes to my wellbeing. Another piece of advice that I would give someone that may be going through what I am is to never give up. It doesn’t matter if the doctors say you may never walk again, which I have been told, move and exercise what you can. You will be surprised at what you can regain with persistence. Even if it is little, that is better than nothing at all. And finally, find a hobby, go back to school, or just find something to do to keep your mind occupied and to pass time by.
When I had my second surgery last year, I came home and almost fell into a depression because I couldn’t move anything at all. This meant that I couldn’t even operate my phone, which I felt was my lifeline. My caregiver had to make calls for me, answer calls, and help me check my emails and text messages. I felt so helpless. I didn’t know what to do for a month or so until I got in contact with my local Disability Connections. This place is a center for independent living which help disabled individuals such as myself. They came to my home and introduced me to assistive technology that enabled me to use my phone again, which in turn allowed me to regain some of my independence. They also have provided me with therapy equipment. I would highly recommended other disabled individuals to contact their local center as well to learn about the disability resources that they may offer.
