Karen was getting ready to run her last race before heading to the Olympics. Every downhill ski competition that she had been in within the last two years, she came in first.
A face plant into a big pine tree, head trauma, and leg injury. Airlifted to a trauma unit an hour away and losing a lot of blood.
Starting Over Again.
The beginning for Karen was worse than an ending to any story.
Unconscious for two days, not aware of who she was or where she came from. There were so many stitches and bruises it was hard to make out if it was even her. Ali, her coach called her dad to come right away.
They were not allowed to go into the ICU as Karen was not stable. Her heart rate kept dropping out and they were being very careful because of the trauma. Keeping her as calm as they possibly could at this point was the only thing they could do. To even try to fix her legs, was next to impossible.
Frightened and afriad Karen's dad (Rick) sat praying in the chair.
His mind was all over the place, his biggest fear was losing his one and only child.
He never remarried as he wanted to make sure that Karen had a good life growing up. Losing his wife, sitting almost in that exact spot brought nothing but fear to him.
Please Lord save my baby girl.
Karen's Journey
. Karen did very well in school even with all of the sadness she had gone through.
After graduating with honors from High School she continued at a University right near her hometown. Having her own place to live on campus, she was able to gain her independence. Most importantly she didn't want her dad to go on his whole life alone.
Her mom and dad truly loved each other, high school sweethearts but when her mom took terminally ill, her dad vowed he would never love again.
Every chance that Karen could she reminded her dad of the importance of having someone to love. "Mom would want you to", was reminded to him on a regular basis. He always shook his head, no.
Not What They Expected.
The doctor came out at about five in the morning to speak with Rick and Ali.
Dr. Charlene Light, went on to tell them that the injuries that Karen had sustained affected both her legs. What was lead to believe that a leg was broken, was in fact both her legs, were totally paralyzed. They were going to do more brain scans on her, so far she was alert, knew her name, and where she was.
Rick and Ali were so glad she was alive, but now where would this journey take an Olympia skier? Her passion, her dreams. Most importantly the one place she felt close to her mom (her mother Beth was a wonderful skier as well).
Rick couldn't wait to go and see his daughter, shaking the doctor's hand he kept on saying thank you. Dr. Light said I will be following Karen's case so if you have any questions please feel free to call me or have them get me while you are here.
My Beautiful Bright Eyes!
Rick couldn't get to Karen fast enough. Ali was right behind him in total shock, she wanted to give Karen all the support she possibly could.
Laying in the bed, Karen still had a smile on her face. Wow, she looked just like her mom without the stitches and bruises. Rick told her how much he loved her, that they were going to get through this. "Daddy", I will be fine maybe better than fine. Dr. Light was explaining many wonderful ideas for my progress. I am aware that my legs don't move. I have come to realize it could have been a lot worse. "I am alive". I am so grateful, I know I am still not out of danger and the journey ahead is going to be tough, but the team here and the rehabilitation center will get me on the right path.
Rick was overjoyed to see the confidence in his daughter. He knew she was smart and determined. He never thought that her positives would come out like this, especially with yet another loss.
The Path Began
The Core Rehabilitation Center was connected to the hospital had transferred Karen to their department after two long months. Karen's overall health had to be completely stable and healing was necessary before the move.
Her dad Rick bought her a beautiful wheelchair, but Karen wouldn't allow him to get the one with the motor. Determined as she was she wanted her upper body to be strong.
Dr. Light told Rick she had never seen such a determined young woman as Karen, a two-time champion skier at that.
The rehab program was really tough but when Karen asked Jake her therapist if she could ski again, he shook his head and thought she was from another planet.
With that being said, Jake knew she was determined so he brought on a few other therapists determined to help Karen in any way they could. They found Skiing is easier than a most sport for persons with a disability. Wheel Chair skiing was more common than not. The Olympics coming up the next year including the opportunity as a goal for Karen.
Working hard on a row machine, wheeling her chair around an indoor track. Karen was soon ready to go and start her venture. Not just with skiing in the Olympics coming, but to continue her life. This time her journey wouldn't be with her dad.
Jake and Ali were both going to fit her for the right chair and skis to start her journey downhill. "You wouldn't believe it." Karen found it difficult in the beginning but in the end of a week, she motored down the hill.
Wow!
A lot happened in that year, it went by fast. Karen was ready to attempt her first Disability Olympics and proud of it.
Also her dad, shocking as it was started dating Charlene, the most amazing doctor who became Rick's best friend during this terrifying time.
At the beginning of the hill, Karen felt her mom closer to her than ever. Whispering to her mom "thank you mom. If I win or not it doesn't matter".
All that mattered was that Karen survived, beat all obstacles, and found a way to fight back.
Also after a lot of on-line University courses, she Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree, now she works at Core Rehabilitation as an Occupational Therapist.
Where there's a will there's a way.