Story Peeps Change Lives

Cliff Diving Accident

Written by Tony

On July 20, 2006 my life changed forever. It was a windy day in Juanadias, Puerto Rico and I had set out to look for my stolen bike. But I changed my mind and decided to look for my friend Frank instead.

He invited me to go swimming in the Merceditas river. My friend Luis told me not to go, so did my mother. I told both of them that it was no big deal, that I was just going to cool off, and I went off with Frank.

Frank jumped off the cliff first, swam then climbed back up the cliff to join me. I jumped off the cliff, and trying to show off, landed head first near the opposite river bank, where the water was just three feet deep.

I immediately realized I couldn't move, and the snap I'd heard was my broken neck. It took five minutes for Frank to realize that I wasn't faking; that I really couldn't move.

By the time Frank reached me I had passed out. Frank pulled me out and gave me CPR. When I came to, I was in the hospital. I was no longer the fun-loving, sociable Tony, but a serious, focused Tony determined to use my brain and knowledge to go on with my life.

First, my family and I decided to move to the states, seeking better health care. Second, as a quadriplegic, I have developed a fighting spirit to continue my education and reach my goal of becoming a lawyer. Thirdly, I am committed to fighting for the rights of others, handicapped and non-handicapped.

It was shortly after the accident, back home in Juanadias, that my family and I realized that I would not be receiving proper health care in Puerto Rico. My mother, my brother and sister decided to move to Florida.

The American laws protecting the handicapped allowed me to enroll in school and receive top-quality rehabilitation and medical care. Since my mother does not speak English, I have assumed many of the phone calls and communications needed to maintain my care. My bilingual skills, my curiosity and my feisty spirit have combined to make me into a skilled advocate. I have handled many of the inquiries and requests for transportation and education. Along with my interest in becoming a lawyer, I have a developing interest in representing others, being a spokesman.

Stephen Hawkins and Christopher Reeve have inspired me tremendously. At the same time, I have given hope to other quads and have been told that I have inspired many others. In many ways,my live changed for the better in July 2006. My selfish, street-wise self, careless and oblivious to the needs of others has been replaced by a focused, determined young man, wanting to use my education to help others and reach out to people. Ultimately, I will become a lawyer and fight for people's rights.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/tonito312

Author Profile: Juan antonio collazo

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Comments  

 

0 #1 Wow! — Ktone 2010-08-18 09:20

I've always been too chicken to go cliff diving myself, mostly because I'm not the most confident swimmer...I wish you all the best in your endevors, your struggles will make you great... Stay positive! And keep doing what you're doing.

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