Video created by Phoebe Putney Health System
The night of my high school graduation was supposed to be a time of celebration and excitement for the future. But in a split second, everything changed. What happened that night was completely unexpected and left me with life-altering injuries, as well as the heartbreaking loss of someone close to me. That night became a turning point in my life. Instead of letting it define me in a negative way, I’ve used it as motivation to grow, to find purpose, and to help others through their own challenges.
Recovery was one of the most challenging yet eye-opening experiences of my life. I truly believe that everyone is put on this earth for a specific purpose, and sometimes it takes unexpected events to reveal that purpose. As I slowly started to see progress—no matter how small—it fueled me to keep going. Each step forward reminded me that healing was possible. I was also incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system, from close friends and family to my school and the local community. Their encouragement gave me strength on the hardest days and reminded me that I wasn’t walking this journey alone.
While I had incredible support from my family and close friends, it was truly the strength of my local community that carried me through. People from every corner of my hometown stepped up—local business owners, physical therapists, church groups, neighbors, and even complete strangers. Whether it was a message, a prayer, a fundraiser, or just a kind word, every gesture reminded me that I was surrounded by people who cared. That kind of collective support is something I’ll never forget, and it played a huge role in helping me heal—physically and emotionally.
The support I received from my local community played a huge role in my recovery. From day one, I was surrounded not only by friends and family, but also by people I had never even met—offering prayers, encouragement, and kindness. That kind of support reminded me that I wasn’t going through this alone. It motivated me on days when things felt especially hard and helped carry me through moments of doubt. Knowing that so many people believed in my recovery—even those who didn’t know me personally—was incredibly powerful and pushed me to keep moving forward.
The biggest thing that helped me push through was the incredible support system I had around me. From family and friends to my medical team and the broader community, I was constantly reminded that I wasn’t in this alone. Every message, visit, and act of kindness gave me the strength to keep going. Knowing that so many people believed in me—even during the moments I struggled to believe in myself—made a huge impact. Their support became my motivation, and it carried me through even the hardest days.
A major turning point for me was when I started to recognize the progress I was making. At first, the days felt slow and overwhelming—but then I looked back week by week and saw how far I had come. That shift in perspective changed everything. I stopped viewing my injury as the end of something and started seeing it as the beginning of a new chapter. Realizing that healing was possible—and that growth was happening even in the hardest moments—gave me the confidence to move forward with purpose
I wish I knew just how much progress I would make over time. In the beginning, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed—but if I could go back, I’d remind myself to be patient and trust the process. Every week that passed, I looked back and realized I had come farther than I thought. Recovery isn’t always fast or obvious, but with time, growth becomes clear. Just having that trust and patience makes all the difference.
To me, being a survivor isn’t just about making it through something traumatic—it’s about what you do after. It’s about growing through the pain, not just getting past it. A survivor takes what they’ve been through and uses it to fuel something greater. For me, it meant finding a new purpose, one I might have never discovered otherwise. Being a survivor means choosing to live with intention, to help others, and to turn your experience into something meaningful.
This experience completely broadened my horizons and opened doors I never imagined walking through. Before, I had a clear vision of what life was supposed to look like—but after everything changed, I realized that living fully isn’t about sticking to a plan. It’s about embracing new paths, even the ones that come from pain. From sharing my story to speaking in schools and starting tourniquet safety programs, I’ve found purpose in ways I never expected. Living fully now means making an impact, connecting with others, and using my second chance at life to do something meaningful.
There are definitely challenges I still face—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But what helps me push through is focusing on where I’m headed. I plan to pursue a career in medicine, and the idea of making a meaningful impact on others keeps me grounded. Knowing I’ll have the chance to witness progress, healing, and resilience in others—just like I’ve experienced—gives me purpose. It reminds me that joy doesn’t always come from comfort, but from knowing you’re living a life that matters.
I chose to share my story because I believe it can save lives. After my own experience, I realized just how critical tourniquet safety is—and how often it’s overlooked. A simple, quick action with a tourniquet was the reason I’m still here today. That realization inspired me to start visiting schools and speaking to students about emergency response and the importance of being prepared. I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness about bleeding control and to support the “Stop the Bleed” movement. Joining the Trauma Survivors Network allows me to take that message even further and connect with others who share a similar passion for turning pain into purpose.
I wish everyone knew that while it may be the hardest thing they ever go through, this experience might also happen for a reason. As difficult as it is, it can lead to growth you never expected and reveal a purpose you never saw coming. It’s not easy—but sometimes the most painful moments open the door to the most meaningful ones.
I’ve learned that it’s in your most challenging moments that you truly discover who you are. My recovery forced me to confront pain, uncertainty, and loss—but it also revealed a strength, resilience, and drive I never knew I had. I grew mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in ways I couldn’t have imagined. One of the biggest lessons was realizing how powerful purpose can be. Through this journey, I found mine. After spending so much time in hospitals and seeing firsthand what compassionate care looks like, I’ve been inspired to pursue a future in medicine. My experience gave me a new perspective—and a new path forward.
I used to think strength was just about physical toughness, but I’ve come to realize it’s so much more about mindset. True resilience is about how you respond when life hits you hardest. I believe that everyone has a purpose, and sometimes it takes something unexpected to uncover it. That shift in perspective was everything for me. Resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about pushing forward with a new understanding of who you are and what really matters. It’s about using hardship as fuel for growth, not something to hide from.
You may not see it now, but you are stronger than you think. This moment doesn’t define the end of your story—it’s the start of a new chapter. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be discouraged by slow progress. Healing takes time, and every small step matters. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and keep your heart open to the possibility that this challenge could lead you to a purpose greater than you ever imagined. You’ve got this—and you’re not alone.
“Passions aren’t forgotten after an accident; they adapt and grow with you.
What once came naturally may now take more effort, but the love for it remains unchanged.”
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