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...

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 f...

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 tra...

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 chas...

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...

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 paren...

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...

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...

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 sin...

In this episode, I’m joined by Keith and Liz to talk dating with a disability. Keith is a paraplegic living with a spinal cord injury, while Liz is able-bodied, and together they share their journey as a couple. From their first dates to navigating accessibility, communication and building a partnership, Keith and Liz open up about the realities, challenges and joys of their relationship. Whether...

In this episode, I talk with Aspen from Accessibility with Aspen Sage all about her incredible service dog, Jojo. Aspen shares how she decided a service dog was right for her, the detailed process of being matched with Jojo and what life has been like since they became a team. From the challenges of society to the moments of unconditional support, this conversation offers an honest and heartfelt l...

In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Haig—a world traveler, writer, and disability advocate—whose journey after a spinal cord injury has taken him across continents and into the heart of global rehab reform. Tom and his brother founded the International Rehabilitation Forum (IRF), a nonprofit focused on expanding access to quality rehabilitation medicine in low-resource countries. We talk about what...

In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Quire, PT, DPT, from Lifeward to talk all about the ReWalk exoskeleton—a wearable robotic system designed to help individuals with spinal cord injuries stand up and walk again. We dive into how the technology works, who it’s for, what the training process looks like and how it’s making a real impact in people’s lives. Adam also shares insights on accessibility,...

In this solo episode, I’m sharing my experience attending the Abilities Expo in Chicago for the second year in a row! From exploring the latest in accessible tech and adaptive gear to connecting with people who just get it, this event was an exciting one. I’ll talk about what stood out this year, what’s changed since my last visit and what it means to be surrounded by such an empowering community....

In this episode, I’m joined by two friends, Sam and Mackenzie, to talk about their experiences living with quadriplegia. Unlike my own spinal cord injury, which affects my lower body (paraplegia), quadriplegia means that all four limbs are impacted in some way. Together, we explore how that difference plays out in daily life, independence, relationships, and access to care. Sam and Mackenzie share...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Stoffer, a research advocate with Unite 2 Fight Paralysis (U2FP), for a dive into Wisconsin’s legislation supporting spinal cord injury (SCI) research - Assembly Bill (AB) 92 and Senate Bill (SB 99). These bills prioritize research into all aspects of SCIs not just mobility. He brings real data to the table, showing exactly why this work matters. We also discus...

In this episode, I’m joined by Paralympian Jeromie “Romie” Meyer for an honest and empowering conversation about living with a spinal cord injury as a man. Romie shares his personal journey—from the early days of injury to finding purpose through sport and advocacy. We talk about identity, masculinity, and mental health, and how each of these can shift and evolve after a life-changing injury. Whet...

In this episode, we’re getting real about catheters and cathing. I’m joined by two of my friends from the spinal cord injury community, Connie and Sharon, and we share honest conversations about our personal experiences with cathing—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how different our journeys have been. From distributor and product choices to the emotional and logistical realities, this episode shed...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of adaptive clothing - because what we wear matters, especially when our bodies and abilities change. I kick things off discussing some personal wins that I found with Victoria's Secret's adaptive bra and underwear line I've been using. Then, I'm joined by Jenny Kraft, creator of Project Awaken and her patented Easy Access Pants. Jen...

Welcome back to SCI Chronicles! We're kicking off Season 2 with a very special guest: my husband. In this episode, we talk about life in an interabled relationship, what changed after my spinal cord injury and how we navigate everything from daily routines to public perceptions. This season, I'm trying something new: The Rogue SCI Alphabet- where each episode explores a different letter ti...

Season 1 has been a journey of sharing my experiences, challenges, and wins in life with an SCI. As we wrap up, I'm reflecting on what I've shared and teasing what's next--broader topics that impact the SCI community and, hopefully, guest interviews. Thanks for being a part of this journey - see you in Season 2!

It's my first "Life Day" - the one-year anniversary of my spinal cord injury. In this episode, I reflect on what this day means to me and processing the emotions that comes with it. From grief and gratitude, I dive into the complexities of marking this milestone and what I've learned over the past year. Whether you're navigating your own injury, supporting a loved one, or jus...

In this episode, I dive into what it's really like to balance my spinal cord injury with trying to have a "normal" day - whether that's working, spending time with friends and family, or just handling everyday tasks. From moments where my disability fades into the background to times when it throws a wrench in my plans, I'm sharing a candid look at the unpredictability of it...

In this episode, I take you throught my first experience playing an adaptive sport - wheelchair rugby! I joined a practice with WASA (Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association) and got a firsthand experience with this sport. I share what it was like using a rugby chair for the first time, how it compares to my everyday chair, and the differences between chairs designed for players with varying levels...