On June 22nd our friend Joisan was involved in a serious paragliding accident that changed her life in an instant. What began as her hundredth flight ended in tragedy when a difficult landing resulted in a broken back and life changing spinal cord injury with near complete paralysis below the waist.

After being airlifted to Foothills hospital, emergency surgery was successful in stabilizing and decompressing her spinal cord by placing  2 rods and 8 screws.  Her road to recovery now begins and it will be long and difficult, with months (likely years) of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medical care ahead. She has been given three years to make as “full” of a recovery as she ever will, but it will take immense emotional and physical effort over the coming years to get there.

We are incredibly grateful that Joisan survived and has such great medical care in Canada. She is in for a big life change with lots of home modifications, mobility support and will not be able to work as she focuses on rehab full time. Her mom has also dropped everything in her own life to be by Joisan’s side since the moment the accident happened.

As we know, Joisan is so strong and resilient, already impressing her rehab team with her fast progress and hard work. This process will be a marathon, not a sprint but she is so strong and determined to take on the biggest challenge she has faced yet. Her strength, determination, and incredible spirit have not wavered as she has begun to navigate the road to recovery.

From our girl:

“I am strong. I am determined. I am alive and I am here to fight and come out the other side stronger than before. One year from now I will be back in the mountains, where my heart is happiest. I will hike, bike, climb, and maybe even fly again. For now I will be kicking butt in intensive rehab, nourishing my mind with good reads, my body with good food, and my soul with good people.”

The outpouring of love and support Joisan has experienced already has been tremendous and we are so grateful for the amazing support network she has. From phone calls, visits, kind messages and love sent from all over the world she is so so lucky to have such amazing people in her corner.  

We’re asking for your support to help Joisan and her family focus on healing and recovery, and her changing world. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward covering medical equipment, modification, transportation and family support. If you know Joisan, you know her light. She’s strong, kind, and full of life. This accident doesn’t define her—her courage and resilience do and we can’t wait to stand proudly by her side every step of the way.

With love and gratitude,

Joisan’s support crew