Melanie
Age: 37
Location: Alabama
Injury or relation:
ATV accident, C4-C5 Asia D for 21 years
Hobbies/Interests:
Writing, reading, painting, swimming, short walks/exercising, bowling, teaching weekly bible study, Sunday school, and motivational groups, tutoring, and volunteering as a fire chaplain with AFFC.
Why did you become a peer mentor?
Since 2003, I have been a type of face to the several hospitals and rehab clinics I have frequented. Because I’ve experienced the good, bad, and horrifying aspects of having an SCI and medical condition, I feel a kinship and empathy toward those that I come across. This is why I am constantly stopping to console, encourage, and provide information/direction to those with different types of injuries or illnesses while taking part in my own doctor’s appointments, therapy visits, and even hospital stays. I love encouraging and advising others like me to find purpose in their chaos and hope in their heartaches.
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