Tell us about yourself: I’m Theresa, I had my accident 28 years ago on Scenic Drive driving my kids to school. I slid on black ice and rolled down hill into dense bush. This caused me to be C3-C5 incomplete and ventilated 4 weeks. When I went to the Spinal Unit, I learnt everything I needed to know so I could get out of there ASAP. I’d already lived a good life and now I had to live this new life.
Who motivates and inspires you? When I had my accident my two boys were 5 years old and 3 weeks old, so they were on a new journey as well. When I became a sole parent, it was just us. Rugby was big in our life, and I rarely missed a game. I was lucky as the boys could’ve run rings round me being in a wheelchair, but they are amazing, and knowledgeable of disabilities as they’ve gotten older. We could go places without carers because of this. I like a challenge so that motivates me too.
What does Care Upfront mean to you? I first heard about Care Upfront through Andrew, I’ve known him for 15 years so he gets me. I’ve been with Care Upfront for a year now. With Lee being in a chair himself, I feel he can better relate to people that join the company. Most able bodied people don’t know what we go through whereas Lee, he lives it too. I feel he is huge role model especially for young males but also oldies like me.
How has your accident shaped your time to follow? Everyone says I’m the same person I was before my accident. I’m still the crazy, outspoken chick that loves a good time and a few drinks. The only difference is I’m sitting down the whole time, so basically what you see is what you get and that’s my whole life.
Words of wisdom: My advice to other people is get to know everything about your body, get involved with training your carers to do what you want and need. Keep whanau and friends close. Then fight for what you want until you win and live life happy.