In 2007 I was diagnosed with a series of rare diseases. As a result, I lost the ability to walk for 9 months. During this time I was in college and relied on my friends to carry me around campus and help me take steps when I had enough energy. I was also on the equestrian team and would continue to go out and ride a small pony named Freckles bareback. After I would ride her I would be able to walk in the barn and to the car without assistance from anyone. A few months later I started intensive physical therapy for 3 months.

My physical therapist had spastic cerebral palsy that affected the left side of his body. Upon completing my physical therapy evaluation he told me that he would get me walking again because there is no reason not to. Prior to this every doctor I had encountered had been preparing me and my family for the hard reality that walking without an assistive device and bracing was not an option. My physical therapist was the only practitioner that was able to tell me why I was having trouble walking and how exactly he would get me back to walking and riding horses again. After 3 months I was walking again and I was not using any braces or equipment. When I returned to college I changed my major to pre-physical therapy and I jumped into my studies by becoming a student athletic trainer so I could learn as much as possible about the human body. I love being a physical therapist because I enjoy helping people get to their maximal fun cation always potential especially when they have to see so many other healthcare providers and are looking for someone to bring them hope in a realistic fashion, just like my physical therapist did for me. I enjoy helping people of all ages, especially the pediatric population because they are not able to communicate as clearly as adults and it is so rewarding to be able to communicate with another person without the option of using words.

The biggest reward of my job is when I discharge a patient from my services because this means they are in a place where they no longer need me and can function as their best self completely independently. As a physical therapist, this is the ultimate reward because physical therapy is not a lifestyle choice it is just a small adventure to help a person move thru space in a way that works best for them.