- R
My name is Katrina Cornish and on October 11, 2015 I was in a scuba diving accident. After having graduated from SUNY-ESF in May, 2015 I was lucky enough to find myself working my dream job as a marine science instructor on Santa Catalina Island off of the coast of Southern California. Recreational diving during my off time was one of the many perks of the job. While ascending from the dive I began experiencing extreme symptoms of type II decompression sickness and required immediate medical assistance. After my rescue and initial treatments it was determined that I had experienced a spinal embolism that had damaged my spinal cord causing diminished sensation and movement of my abdomin and legs. My doctors were unable to confirm that I would walk again.
My first week in the hospital was only survivable due to the amount of support both family and friends provided and a very strong determination to prove my prognosis wrong. After I was released from the hospital I began my inpatient rehabilitation in California (UCLA) and was transferred to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston where I began regaining movement in my legs and abdomin and continue to grow stronger daily. It is unknown at this time whether or not I will be confined to a wheel chair upon my initial discharge at the end of the month. Following my release I will return to Maine and begin outpatient rehab. I have made great progress here and am determined to reach my full potential, though I am unsure of what that may look like or when that will be.
As many know, I am outdoor-oriented. I have big plans for my life and career, the most important is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail
(http://www.fs.usda.gov/pct/)
in April of 2017. This trail will take 6 months, and I had planned my next year around getting prepared for it. Life works in mysterious ways and though I will need some extra help to regain the physical fitness necessary to do so, I still plan to walk the 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
Spaulding has suggested an additional physical therapy program located in Portsmouth, NH called Project Walk
(http://www.projectwalk.com/Boston/index.asp). The program specializes in spinal cord injuries and will design a program specific to my goals. I have applied to participate in this program, but unfortunately it is not covered by insurance. Considering the circumstances, I currently have no income and like most of my generation have college loans to repay. The program link which is included here has a strong success story and I believe that it would be helpful, maybe necessary, in my recovery. If anyone is willing to assist I would be eternally grateful as every contribution will help pay for another session at Project Walk and another hour closer to my goals.
Photos/videos will be provided weekly as to my recovery and progress.
Thank you for all of your help!
If you prefer to write a check, they can be made payable to Katrina Cornish and sent to:
36 Cornish Lane
Topsham, ME 04086
My first week in the hospital was only survivable due to the amount of support both family and friends provided and a very strong determination to prove my prognosis wrong. After I was released from the hospital I began my inpatient rehabilitation in California (UCLA) and was transferred to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston where I began regaining movement in my legs and abdomin and continue to grow stronger daily. It is unknown at this time whether or not I will be confined to a wheel chair upon my initial discharge at the end of the month. Following my release I will return to Maine and begin outpatient rehab. I have made great progress here and am determined to reach my full potential, though I am unsure of what that may look like or when that will be.
As many know, I am outdoor-oriented. I have big plans for my life and career, the most important is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail
(http://www.fs.usda.gov/pct/)
in April of 2017. This trail will take 6 months, and I had planned my next year around getting prepared for it. Life works in mysterious ways and though I will need some extra help to regain the physical fitness necessary to do so, I still plan to walk the 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
Spaulding has suggested an additional physical therapy program located in Portsmouth, NH called Project Walk
(http://www.projectwalk.com/Boston/index.asp). The program specializes in spinal cord injuries and will design a program specific to my goals. I have applied to participate in this program, but unfortunately it is not covered by insurance. Considering the circumstances, I currently have no income and like most of my generation have college loans to repay. The program link which is included here has a strong success story and I believe that it would be helpful, maybe necessary, in my recovery. If anyone is willing to assist I would be eternally grateful as every contribution will help pay for another session at Project Walk and another hour closer to my goals.
Photos/videos will be provided weekly as to my recovery and progress.
Thank you for all of your help!
If you prefer to write a check, they can be made payable to Katrina Cornish and sent to:
36 Cornish Lane
Topsham, ME 04086