So we've been married for almost two months and life is going pretty well!
I'm working on a few things right now including writing a book! I have an outline and some interested folks but nothing is official yet.
I would also love to go back to school and get my masters degree but first I need to take the terrifying GRE and look up some possible scholarships.
Oh and speaking? I'm looking for a sponsor who will support my mission to do some motivational speaking all over the state and beyond.
So a lot of things are up and coming but these days I'm just trying to keep busy with Chris being back at work! Thank goodness for ECU football season!
Last weekend, I spoke at the Run, Walk, Roll Event in Greenville, NC to benefit the spinal cord rehab unit at Pitt Memorial Hospital where I was in rehab. We had a great time and it was great seeing everyone!
On my birthday, October 2nd (WOOHOO - the big 26!) I'll be on a flight to Carlsbad, CA for 3 weeks of intense therapy at Project Walk thanks to the Walking with Anthony Foundation. I can't tell you how excited I am!! I've heard that the therapy is very intense and exhausing but honestly, I can't wait. Project Walk is an amazing place and I'm honored to be able to go.
If you've been following me, well - following my on facebook - you saw that I went surfing over the summer. It was a great event held in Virginia Beach and sponsored by Life Rolls On. Life Rolls On is a subsidiary of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. While I'm in California, they're holding a huge event called Night By the Ocean and I've been asked to speak! I'm SO excited!
The grant that I'm receiving from the Walking with Anthony Foundation is covering my initial rehab at Project Walk but that will only start the long road ahead. I've figured out that I need to find about $15,000 so I can go for about 2-3 more months. This place is doing great things for recovery and I HATE that I have to sit here without good rehab. I'm ready for things to get started. Sales of my book and some other things that I'm working on should help...
As you can see - there are lots of things floating around my head. Being a new bride. Getting to rehab. Becoming a public speaker. Writing a book. Finding a new place in the world. It's hard enough just being 25 but these new challenges sure can make your head spin! Sometimes I wonder, how many people sit around and just wait for things to happen?
I hope you haven't sat around waiting for things to happen. Even though I can't afford rehab right now, I'm not waiting to live my life.
If you are waiting, get up and do something! Even if you make just one small change - it will be worth it. I promise!!!
Oh btw! I transferred into bed 3 times in a row without falling! I think I've got it down! Really - you have no idea how awesome that is. Do you even know what transferring into bed means? With my injury level, I don't have full usage of my arms. The outside of my arms have feeling but the inside doesn't. I don't have usage of my hands (so I type with either my thumb or the outside of my hand) and I don't have usage of my triceps. All that being said, I can't simply move out of my chair easily. Being able to get into bed on my own means that I can get upstairs and get into bed without the help of Chris or my mom and that is HUGE!! Imagine if when you wake up each morning, you have to rely on someone else to get you going. I can't wait to be able to do more on my own. Cherish your independence. It's so precious and most people take it for granted.
I'm really trying to avoid the falling part. It's not good for me (yeah - for obvious reasons) but also, I was diagnosed with Osteopenia over the summer. It's a form of Osteoporosis and was brought on by the loss of use of my limbs. It means that my bones are more fragile and I have to be more careful - oh and need to drink more milk. Maybe I can become one of those milk mustache models! After all, it does a body good! :)
I post lots of little tidbits about my daily life on my Facebook page so if you haven't joined my page there, please do so.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
My AMAZING Wedding Gift! AbiltyVoice Wheelchair Mobility Blog Post
A Happy Ending For a Deserving CouplePosted by Megan on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
On Friday The Braun Corporation and Toyota Mobility arranged a very special donation to a deserving young couple.
Rachelle Friedman, a 23-year-old young woman who was paralyzed as a result of an accident during her bachelorette party last year, finally exchanged vows with her longtime boyfriend Chris Chapman. As the newlyweds left their wedding reception, Braun and Toyota surprised them with a wedding gift they hadn’t included on their registry - a 2011 Toyota Sienna Rampvan XT.
The two were married in a beautiful morning ceremony, and a country-themed reception followed at a charming location nestled in the rolling hills of Pittsboro, North Carolina. As the wedding DJ played the last song of the afternoon, he asked the guests to line the brick path outside and led the couple outside for an amazing send-off to their fairytale wedding. Waiting at the end of the path was the wheelchair van under a white drape and topped with a huge red bow.
The BraunAbility Ramp Van Just Moments
Before the Unveiling!
“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Rachelle repeatedly as the accessible van was unveiled and the ramp unfolded to meet the bride. “This is amazing…AMAZING.”
Needless to say, Rachelle and Chris were shocked. The two were supposed to get married last summer, until a playful push into a pool by one of Rachelle’s bridesmaids during her bachelorette party paralyzed the bride-to-be. Instead of celebrating their marriage, the couple worked through intensive care, rehabilitation and eventually settled into their new home outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. Chris never lost sight of their future lives together. “I told her I’d always be by her side,” said the middle school science teacher. “She’d have to try harder than that to get rid of me.”
When BraunAbility first heard Rachelle’s story, we worked with her local dealer, Van Products in Raleigh, to loan Rachelle an accessible vehicle while she planned her wedding. Until that point, her mother had been carrying Rachelle by piggyback to get her in and out of her compact SUV. Having a wheelchair van has helped Rachelle see past her disability and has opened the door to post-accident possibilities. She has since become a representative of the Colours wheelchair team, is active in quad-rugby and hopes to devote her time to paralysis advocacy groups in the near future.
One of the very first items on her to-do list after the honeymoon? Learning to drive on her own. “And I WILL be driving this van…not just riding in it,” she told the BraunAbility crew after receiving the gift. When she’s ready for that step of the journey, she’ll have a lifetime of support and service from Van Products behind her.
Some video highlights of the wedding were featured during the Today Show Monday morning, and the couple will be interviewed once they’re back from their honeymoon. Click here for the videographer’s wedding highlights and footage of the donation! The media continues to cover this touching story, including Yahoo News and Autoblog, with more expected as the couple returns from their honeymoon.
We love a happy ending. Congratulations to Chris and Rachelle on their beautiful wedding, and more importantly, on their incredible commitment. It’s just the beginning of a life-long relationship with each other and with BraunAbility!
The Wedding (our 1800registry.com blog)
The Big Day!
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Rachelle and Chris took a few pictures in the field just outside the barn during the cocktail hour, while guests enjoyed an "adult lemonade stand"--sweet tea with sweet tea vodka and lemonade--a perfect beverage to cool off with in the southern heat and humidity. Entering the barn to "Purple Haze" in honor of their alma mater, East Carolina University, Rachelle and Chris danced their first dance to Rascal Flatts' "Won't Let Go." (Trust me when I say there was not a dry eye in the house watching them!) Then, guests were invited to eat the buffet lunch of a mixture of southern favorites like mac and cheese, fried okra, seafood, steak and an assortment of fruit and cheeses.
The best man, both maids of honor, and both fathers all offered heartfelt toasts to the happy couple. Afterward, Rachelle and Chris cut their cake (fun-fetti, Rachelle's favorite flavor!) and made their way throughout the crowd dancing, talking with friends and family, and enjoying themselves. At the end of the reception, guests lined up and blew bubbles into the sunshine as Rachelle and Chris made their way out only to be greeted by one more surprise: Toyota and The Braun Corporation gave Rachelle and Chris a 2011 Toyota Sienna with a BraunAbility conversion. They drove off, ready to begin their happily ever after.
The day after their wedding, Rachelle and Chris flew to Las Vegas, where they stayed for one night (courtesy of Mandalay Bay), enjoyed dinner and a show (The Lion King, tickets also courtesy of Mandalay Bay). The next day they flew to Los Angeles for their flight to their ultimate honeymoon destination: Fiji. We'll provide a few fun honeymoon details and photos for you when they return!
Post by Jennifer Glatt, 1-800-Registry Wedding Planning Manager
Our Pre-Wedding Planning (our 1800Registry.com blog)
The Planning Blog
Rachelle had her final dress fitting recently, trying on her dress for the last time before she marries Chris. She wanted to wear the dress she originally chose, but just couldn't envision how it would work given that she is now seated in a wheelchair. Given some of the physical changes she has undergone since her accident, Rachelle was afraid she would have to choose another dress entirely. Thankfully, Erin McLean knew a great tailor: Olga Samarskiy of Raleigh. Olga was certain she could rebuild the dress to accommodate Rachelle's now much smaller torso, creating a structured bodice underneath. With a corset supporting her core and wide ribbons criss-crossing the back of her dress to hold her in tightly, Rachelle can now comfortably wear the strapless gown and sit tall and straight, as well. She rolled herself to the full-length mirror to see the results and even though there were nine of us in the room, for a moment it was as if Rachelle was the only one present. She seemed as startled as she was pleased with what she saw in the mirror. This moment has been a long time coming but finally, it is here. She smiled slowly, then broke out in a wide grin.
Olga placed a two-tiered veil gently atop Rachelle's head as she looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. "A gift, for you," she said.
It's such a joy and privilege to be working with Rachelle to help plan the wedding. Her spirit is such an inspiration to me, and I was reminded that these moments--each of them--are all precious gifts.
Post by Jennifer Glatt, 1-800-Registry Wedding Planning Manager
With Rachelle's dress and the bridesmaids dresses ready to go, it was time to pick what Chris and his groomsmen were going to wear!
Many guys think they have to rent a tux, which is always a classic staple. However, with the design and casual style we are having at the wedding (not to mention that the ceremony is outside in July!), Chris had his mind set on a navy suit.
Chris, some of his groomsmen, Rachelle, and I went to Men's Wearhouse in Raleigh, NC. When the wonderful people at Men's Wearhouse heard Rachelle's story, they very generously DONATED a trade certificate for Chris and each groomsman to pick out their wedding attire FOR FREE. Not only was this an opportunity for the wedding party to save some cash, but Chris and his guys were able to choose a suit that they can wear again and again after the wedding. In fact, the suit Chris chose was the very first suit he had ever owned that was brand new and tailored just for him. If you haven't seen the selection of suits that hang wall to wall, you are missing out! They have a wide variety of designers at all different price points. Men's Wearhouse was also having a phenomenal BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sale, which meant that Chris was also able to pick out a new (khaki) suit for the rehearsal dinner, as well. THANKS, MEN'S WEARHOUSE!!
Chris was convinced he would wear a dark suit, which Rachelle admitted looks great on him. But, he humored both of us and tried on a khaki suit and actually loved it.
We picked out a tie for the groomsmen that matched the bridesmaids' blue dresses, as well as a crisp white shirt and black shoes. Next we had Chris try on a gorgeous textured white tie. It was the perfect way to have him stand out as the groom.
Then, the big decision came between the khaki and the dark suits. It actually was an easy decision, the navy pinstripe was a unanimous choice for everyone. It looked great on everyone and was so classic and handsome!
Blog post by Erin McLean
"It's our dream vacation," Rachelle and Chris said. Rachelle can't wait to go warm herself in the sun, and Chris is really looking forward to fly-fishing. And thanks to Tokoriki Island Resort, the newlyweds will get to spend seven nights in tropical luxury! Nestled in the northern Mamanuca Islands, South Pacific sunsets will soon be a reality! Secluded in their own private bure, their time away will be renewing, relaxing and definitely romantic.
Want to take a look at their Honeymoon Registry? You'll find it here.
Today we are meeting with the staff at The Fearrington House to make a lot of decisions! Because they provide so many services on-site, we'll be able to make great headway. This is when the wedding will really start to take shape! First we meet with Jill, who sets out a delicious selection of cake bites and filling choices. We sample vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon and coconut cakes. Rachelle declares vanilla her favorite, and Chris is hard-pressed to choose just one. Thankfully Jill makes their job easy by telling them they can choose three flavors for their wedding cake. Cream cheese, milk chocolate buttercream, peanut butter, raspberry and white chocolate buttercream fillings are samples, and a winner definitely emerges, but we'll keep that a surprise. Chris chooses his groom's cake cake and filling. They are excited to see what Jill will come up with--all they've told her is that for the groom's cake, they want it to be in the shape of a pirate ship in honor of their alma mater, East Carolina University. Purple and gold will be the colors on that one!
Next, we meet with Mary, the florist. She knows sunflowers are the flowers of choice for this wedding, but she also suggests many other cheery, sunny flowers to complement them, such as gerbera daisies, tanacedum, rudbeckia and hypericum berries. Burlap, raffia, Mason jars, old soup cans, colored glass vases, jelly jars, and French flower buckets and wildflowers are mentioned, considered, and excitedly chosen. Mary deftly explains how to decorate a huppah with wildflowers, how the bridal bouquets can be tied and many other issues, and soon we can practically see the ceremony and reception spaces vibrant with color. Some of the details will even be a surprise to Rachelle and Chris, so that's all we'll tell you for now...
Gilda, the Special Events Manager, walks us through the rest of the details, including the selection of the ceremony location and the reception menu. Rachelle and Chris choose hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour to be held on the barn patio, and are thrilled with Erin McLean's suggestion of an "adult lemonade stand"--lemonade with sweet tea vodka. Yum! They choose Southern favorites for their heavy hors d'oeuvres meal, to include a seasonal selection of cheeses, fruit, bread and chutneys; a seafood table with shrimp, crab salad and tuna nicoise tartare; a "Taste of the South" offering of smoked bourbon brisket, chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese with Virginia country ham and cornmeal fried okra. Topped off by wedding cake, this event is shaping up to be supremely sweet indeed.
The Dress
We can't provide too many details about Rachelle's wedding dress, just in case Chris happens to be reading this… What we can tell you is that the dress Rachelle originally chose was still the dress she very much wanted to wear. However, her body has changed since the accident and she was worried it wouldn't fit correctly. Thankfully, Erin knew a great tailor who felt certain she could rebuild the dress to fit Rachelle and accommodate the fact that she has lost quite a bit of muscle mass in her torso and is now in a wheelchair. We can't wait to see the final result, and we'll share it with you AFTER the wedding!
Invitations! While Rachelle and Chris and their parents worked out the guest list, Erin and Rachelle began working on the invitations. Rachelle and Chris wanted to use the wording they'd chosen for their original invitations, and Rachelle hoped to use sunflowers in the invitations. Here's what the final version looks like:
This is the dress Rachelle chose for her five bridesmaids:
Arabelle Dress in silk chiffon by J. Crew
Color: Mosaic Blue
(Photo courtesy of J. Crew)
Knowing we would need a local professional to help coordinate the many little details, we sought a top-notch wedding planner based in Raleigh. We knew we'd struck gold when we found Erin McLean of Erin McLean Events. Impeccable taste, unflappable no matter the crisis and beautiful to boot, she has proved to be a Godsend! And I think she knows EVERYONE in Raleigh, I'm not kidding.
Rachelle loved the idea of getting married outside, so she sent me a few venues in North Carolina that had the rustic feel she was looking for. She was hoping for a barn to somehow be involved… and we got lucky with The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, just a few miles from Raleigh. A former dairy farm in the 1930s, the rolling hills, lush acreage and beautiful gardens make this the perfect spot for Rachelle and Chris's wedding. They chose to have their ceremony on the Garden Terrace, overlooking the Belted Galloway cows and their green pasture. A local mandolin player will be providing the music. The reception will be in the barn!
Since she'd planned her wedding before (but then her accident forced Rachelle and Chris to postpone it), Rachelle had a good idea of the "look and feel" she wanted the day to have. Take a look at the inspiration boards she created. Lots of sunflowers, raffia, Mason jars, and her color combination of turquoise and yellow. Her favorite words to describe the look: airy, cheerful, bright, organic, rustic, garden, soft, fresh, whimsical, natural, charming, elegant. Getting married in North Carolina—where she and Chris currently live—practically guaranteed all of that!
Bittersweet
Rachelle had her final dress fitting recently, trying on her dress for the last time before she marries Chris. She wanted to wear the dress she originally chose, but just couldn't envision how it would work given that she is now seated in a wheelchair. Given some of the physical changes she has undergone since her accident, Rachelle was afraid she would have to choose another dress entirely. Thankfully, Erin McLean knew a great tailor: Olga Samarskiy of Raleigh. Olga was certain she could rebuild the dress to accommodate Rachelle's now much smaller torso, creating a structured bodice underneath. With a corset supporting her core and wide ribbons criss-crossing the back of her dress to hold her in tightly, Rachelle can now comfortably wear the strapless gown and sit tall and straight, as well. She rolled herself to the full-length mirror to see the results and even though there were nine of us in the room, for a moment it was as if Rachelle was the only one present. She seemed as startled as she was pleased with what she saw in the mirror. This moment has been a long time coming but finally, it is here. She smiled slowly, then broke out in a wide grin.Olga placed a two-tiered veil gently atop Rachelle's head as she looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. "A gift, for you," she said.
It's such a joy and privilege to be working with Rachelle to help plan the wedding. Her spirit is such an inspiration to me, and I was reminded that these moments--each of them--are all precious gifts.
Post by Jennifer Glatt, 1-800-Registry Wedding Planning Manager
Groomsmen Attire
With Rachelle's dress and the bridesmaids dresses ready to go, it was time to pick what Chris and his groomsmen were going to wear! Many guys think they have to rent a tux, which is always a classic staple. However, with the design and casual style we are having at the wedding (not to mention that the ceremony is outside in July!), Chris had his mind set on a navy suit.
Chris, some of his groomsmen, Rachelle, and I went to Men's Wearhouse in Raleigh, NC. When the wonderful people at Men's Wearhouse heard Rachelle's story, they very generously DONATED a trade certificate for Chris and each groomsman to pick out their wedding attire FOR FREE. Not only was this an opportunity for the wedding party to save some cash, but Chris and his guys were able to choose a suit that they can wear again and again after the wedding. In fact, the suit Chris chose was the very first suit he had ever owned that was brand new and tailored just for him. If you haven't seen the selection of suits that hang wall to wall, you are missing out! They have a wide variety of designers at all different price points. Men's Wearhouse was also having a phenomenal BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sale, which meant that Chris was also able to pick out a new (khaki) suit for the rehearsal dinner, as well. THANKS, MEN'S WEARHOUSE!!
Chris was convinced he would wear a dark suit, which Rachelle admitted looks great on him. But, he humored both of us and tried on a khaki suit and actually loved it.
We picked out a tie for the groomsmen that matched the bridesmaids' blue dresses, as well as a crisp white shirt and black shoes. Next we had Chris try on a gorgeous textured white tie. It was the perfect way to have him stand out as the groom.
Then, the big decision came between the khaki and the dark suits. It actually was an easy decision, the navy pinstripe was a unanimous choice for everyone. It looked great on everyone and was so classic and handsome!
Blog post by Erin McLean
Hawaii Sounds Nice, but FIJI won!
"It's our dream vacation," Rachelle and Chris said. Rachelle can't wait to go warm herself in the sun, and Chris is really looking forward to fly-fishing. And thanks to Tokoriki Island Resort, the newlyweds will get to spend seven nights in tropical luxury! Nestled in the northern Mamanuca Islands, South Pacific sunsets will soon be a reality! Secluded in their own private bure, their time away will be renewing, relaxing and definitely romantic.Want to take a look at their Honeymoon Registry? You'll find it here.
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Details, Details...
Today we are meeting with the staff at The Fearrington House to make a lot of decisions! Because they provide so many services on-site, we'll be able to make great headway. This is when the wedding will really start to take shape! First we meet with Jill, who sets out a delicious selection of cake bites and filling choices. We sample vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon and coconut cakes. Rachelle declares vanilla her favorite, and Chris is hard-pressed to choose just one. Thankfully Jill makes their job easy by telling them they can choose three flavors for their wedding cake. Cream cheese, milk chocolate buttercream, peanut butter, raspberry and white chocolate buttercream fillings are samples, and a winner definitely emerges, but we'll keep that a surprise. Chris chooses his groom's cake cake and filling. They are excited to see what Jill will come up with--all they've told her is that for the groom's cake, they want it to be in the shape of a pirate ship in honor of their alma mater, East Carolina University. Purple and gold will be the colors on that one!Next, we meet with Mary, the florist. She knows sunflowers are the flowers of choice for this wedding, but she also suggests many other cheery, sunny flowers to complement them, such as gerbera daisies, tanacedum, rudbeckia and hypericum berries. Burlap, raffia, Mason jars, old soup cans, colored glass vases, jelly jars, and French flower buckets and wildflowers are mentioned, considered, and excitedly chosen. Mary deftly explains how to decorate a huppah with wildflowers, how the bridal bouquets can be tied and many other issues, and soon we can practically see the ceremony and reception spaces vibrant with color. Some of the details will even be a surprise to Rachelle and Chris, so that's all we'll tell you for now...
Gilda, the Special Events Manager, walks us through the rest of the details, including the selection of the ceremony location and the reception menu. Rachelle and Chris choose hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour to be held on the barn patio, and are thrilled with Erin McLean's suggestion of an "adult lemonade stand"--lemonade with sweet tea vodka. Yum! They choose Southern favorites for their heavy hors d'oeuvres meal, to include a seasonal selection of cheeses, fruit, bread and chutneys; a seafood table with shrimp, crab salad and tuna nicoise tartare; a "Taste of the South" offering of smoked bourbon brisket, chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese with Virginia country ham and cornmeal fried okra. Topped off by wedding cake, this event is shaping up to be supremely sweet indeed.
We can't provide too many details about Rachelle's wedding dress, just in case Chris happens to be reading this… What we can tell you is that the dress Rachelle originally chose was still the dress she very much wanted to wear. However, her body has changed since the accident and she was worried it wouldn't fit correctly. Thankfully, Erin knew a great tailor who felt certain she could rebuild the dress to fit Rachelle and accommodate the fact that she has lost quite a bit of muscle mass in her torso and is now in a wheelchair. We can't wait to see the final result, and we'll share it with you AFTER the wedding!
Invitations!
Invitations! While Rachelle and Chris and their parents worked out the guest list, Erin and Rachelle began working on the invitations. Rachelle and Chris wanted to use the wording they'd chosen for their original invitations, and Rachelle hoped to use sunflowers in the invitations. Here's what the final version looks like: Bridesmaids
This is the dress Rachelle chose for her five bridesmaids: Arabelle Dress in silk chiffon by J. Crew
Color: Mosaic Blue
(Photo courtesy of J. Crew)
A Little Help, Please...
Knowing we would need a local professional to help coordinate the many little details, we sought a top-notch wedding planner based in Raleigh. We knew we'd struck gold when we found Erin McLean of Erin McLean Events. Impeccable taste, unflappable no matter the crisis and beautiful to boot, she has proved to be a Godsend! And I think she knows EVERYONE in Raleigh, I'm not kidding.Choosing the Venue
Rachelle loved the idea of getting married outside, so she sent me a few venues in North Carolina that had the rustic feel she was looking for. She was hoping for a barn to somehow be involved… and we got lucky with The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, just a few miles from Raleigh. A former dairy farm in the 1930s, the rolling hills, lush acreage and beautiful gardens make this the perfect spot for Rachelle and Chris's wedding. They chose to have their ceremony on the Garden Terrace, overlooking the Belted Galloway cows and their green pasture. A local mandolin player will be providing the music. The reception will be in the barn!Beginning… Again
Once a date is set, the wedding planning seems to take on a life of its own. Knowing Chris's extended family would be on the East Coast in July, Rachelle and Chris chose July 22 as The Big Day. Then, just like all engaged couples, they were faced with a list of questions a mile long regarding the ceremony, reception, invitations, music, attire, rings, guest list, vendors, menu, accommodations, officiant, attendants, favors, rehearsal dinner, honeymoon… the list seemed endless.Since she'd planned her wedding before (but then her accident forced Rachelle and Chris to postpone it), Rachelle had a good idea of the "look and feel" she wanted the day to have. Take a look at the inspiration boards she created. Lots of sunflowers, raffia, Mason jars, and her color combination of turquoise and yellow. Her favorite words to describe the look: airy, cheerful, bright, organic, rustic, garden, soft, fresh, whimsical, natural, charming, elegant. Getting married in North Carolina—where she and Chris currently live—practically guaranteed all of that!
17 Days Until Our Wedding! JULY 5, 2011
- Tuesday, July 5, 2011 6:40 AM, EDT
Hello everyone! The big day is only 17 days away and we are so very excited! I did the final fitting for the dress and it looks great! I'm just hoping I don't roll all over it. I believe everything is in place except chris and I should probably practice our first dance! I also want to through in a thank you to BraunAability for providing me with a van as I planned out this wedding! It made leaving the house and going out to places as much as needed and wanted so much easier. And of course I want to thank 1800 Registry for giving me the wedding and honeymoon of my dreams! I don't think I'd be having a typical wedding and certainly not any sort of honeymoon. Y'all are amazing! I will officially be on the today show on august 5th as soon as we get back from the honeymoon! Make sure to watch!
The new bike and wheelchair should be here this week and I'm obviously looking forward to that. Also, lulus.com sent me another package of adorable clothes and shoes. This has seriously been one crazy year and beyond
The new bike and wheelchair should be here this week and I'm obviously looking forward to that. Also, lulus.com sent me another package of adorable clothes and shoes. This has seriously been one crazy year and beyond
JUNE 2011
- Wednesday, June 29, 2011 1:32 PM, EDT
Hi everyone! 1800 Registry has made another page from me that's really cool and pretty. Go to https://www.1800registry.com/rachelleandchrisweddingTomorrow is my final dress fitting and interview with the associated press! Today I have an interview with hampton roads magazine today and I recently had one with women's world too! This wedding will be everywhere!!
- Friday, June 24, 2011 5:25 PM, EDT
Hello everyone!
Yesterday chris and I had our 6th year anniversary and had a great time out at dinner. Remember how I had a surprise for him? Well it was supposed to be yesterday but I let him know about a week ago that I was getting a handcycle!! I'll be able to road bike with him ASAP!
My grandparents (also known as bubbie and Zadie) came by to visit as well. It was fun and I'm glad they could see my house
With the wedding on it's way the interview requests have picked up! Today I had a long interview with a Japanese tv station. There will be a 1 hour special on me there!
I tried my dress on yesterday and it looks so pretty. I'm excited to see everything together.
Hope I didn't miss anything!
Yesterday chris and I had our 6th year anniversary and had a great time out at dinner. Remember how I had a surprise for him? Well it was supposed to be yesterday but I let him know about a week ago that I was getting a handcycle!! I'll be able to road bike with him ASAP!
My grandparents (also known as bubbie and Zadie) came by to visit as well. It was fun and I'm glad they could see my house
With the wedding on it's way the interview requests have picked up! Today I had a long interview with a Japanese tv station. There will be a 1 hour special on me there!
I tried my dress on yesterday and it looks so pretty. I'm excited to see everything together.
Hope I didn't miss anything!
- Sunday, June 19, 2011 10:12 AM, EDT
Another late update. I had a rough night and my tush is still a tiny red. I'm not for sure I'll make it today to the tournament. But if I do it'll be more like 2pm. Sorry everyone!
- Saturday, June 18, 2011 7:30 AM, EDT
Everyone! I'm sorry it's late notice but I will not arrive till about noon. I need to eliminate hours that I'm sitting on my sore. It's s o close to being gone so vie gotta stay smart. Hope to see you there!
- Friday, June 17, 2011 11:35 AM, EDT
I forgot to mention the Raleigh summer rumble. Oh my gosh! Tomorrow from 9-5 and Sunday 9-4. Here is the flyerhttp://www.ncscia.org/theraleighsidewinders/2011SummerRumbleFlyer.pdfCome on out!
- Thursday, June 9, 2011 5:12 PM, EDT
Hi everyone!!
So gee this has been a crazy time! I had a reallly bad pressure sore that has greatly improved but I'm still staying off of it. So I've been laying down for like 3 weeks now so vie been sooo bored. I did muster up enough energy to go talk to a local 4th grade classroom. I have a teacher friend down the st. Who showed her kids my story. They even made me a poster of words that described me. They always asked for updates with me and wanted to meet me so I had to go before the school year was over. I had such a great time and they are so sweet so here is a shout out to ms Dupree's 4th grade class at Northwoods Elementary! I was also excited that my aunt and uncle came to visit! They definitely kept me company when I had a gross sore and heather gave me beauty
treatments! Mom took them to the best golden coral on earth. An ECU
graduate started it and the headquarters are in Raleigh.
The very next day I had supra pubic surgery. A tube goes through my belly and caps at the end so I can uncap and go to the restroom by
myself! Huge step towards independence.
Well as far as the wedding goes things are moving along! Mens Wearhouse is sending gift certificates to all of the groomsmen, chris, and our little ring bearer! Each person will be able to purchase and keep a suit! We also have a wedding website now at www.1800registry.com/rachelleandchris
Thanks for looking!
So gee this has been a crazy time! I had a reallly bad pressure sore that has greatly improved but I'm still staying off of it. So I've been laying down for like 3 weeks now so vie been sooo bored. I did muster up enough energy to go talk to a local 4th grade classroom. I have a teacher friend down the st. Who showed her kids my story. They even made me a poster of words that described me. They always asked for updates with me and wanted to meet me so I had to go before the school year was over. I had such a great time and they are so sweet so here is a shout out to ms Dupree's 4th grade class at Northwoods Elementary! I was also excited that my aunt and uncle came to visit! They definitely kept me company when I had a gross sore and heather gave me beauty
treatments! Mom took them to the best golden coral on earth. An ECU
graduate started it and the headquarters are in Raleigh.
The very next day I had supra pubic surgery. A tube goes through my belly and caps at the end so I can uncap and go to the restroom by
myself! Huge step towards independence.
Well as far as the wedding goes things are moving along! Mens Wearhouse is sending gift certificates to all of the groomsmen, chris, and our little ring bearer! Each person will be able to purchase and keep a suit! We also have a wedding website now at www.1800registry.com/rachelleandchris
Thanks for looking!
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- Friday, June 3, 2011 10:34 PM, EDT
Hi everyone. Well I can't say vie had the best week. It turns out that I've developed a pressure sore on my butt and apparently it is a stage II. It's screwed up my entire system making me have spasms, nerve pain, and all around just making me feel sick. This is bad timing as ive finally made it to summer! Wheelchair tennis starts this Monday, adaptive water skiing is tomorrow, rugby practice is next weekend and the Raleigh rumble wheelchair tournament is the following weekend. I want to do all of it and there's a chance I won't be able to do any of it. Well see
I have actually scheduled a supra pubic surgery for this coming Wednesday. It is a short 30 minute surgery where a tube will be inserted just above the pubic area going straight into my bladder. I'll be able to release my urine by uncapping the tube making me independent in that area. Hopefully I won't have to cancel do to the spasticity.
Wedding updates to come in the very near future
I have actually scheduled a supra pubic surgery for this coming Wednesday. It is a short 30 minute surgery where a tube will be inserted just above the pubic area going straight into my bladder. I'll be able to release my urine by uncapping the tube making me independent in that area. Hopefully I won't have to cancel do to the spasticity.
Wedding updates to come in the very near future
MAY 2011
- Sunday, May 29, 2011 8:29 AM, EDT
I was reading over my blog last week and realized I left a few things out! When I was picking out my chair, we were discussing the weight of the wheels. The set that I want ( which is super cool!) is fairly heavy for someone with an injury like mine with very limited triceps. They are totally doable but I was offered an amazing additional set of wheels that do something pretty cool. They are called Magic Wheels! If you go to www.magicwheels.com you can read up on them and even watch a YouTube video which gives you a really good idea on how many ways they can be utilized. In short, they provide assistance with hills and rough terrain with a gear shifter on the wheel. I can't wait to use them!
For dinner out my first night in jersey we went to this crazy restaurant! It had ridiculously oversized portions! I ate off other people knowing there would be some serious extras! It was really my first time out without a very close friend or family member to help me out, but again the group was super helpful. One girl Auti basically pushed me and herself when I got tired on a hill. Chelsie and her cool dad were super helpful too. Thanks girls. Shout out to Team Colours! Hopefully I'll be selling these things like crazy when I learn all the info. Oh and I took my mom and grandma to this place, which I forgot to mention has the worlds largest pickle bar. Haha. I got a pancake and took it home in an X L pizza box!
So I picked out my wheelchair back fabric! It is from a website called ninetomatoes.com. They specialize in a design called mandalas. “A mandala is a constant organism that is complete within itself but full of all these compartments. The human mind and energy body are the same. They’re just not always as symmetrical. That’s why the mandalas feel so good because they give us symmetry and balance…” – Lee Harris they were kind enough to give me my fabric for free after hearing my story. The mandala design creator and website owner told me she made this design during a hard time in her life and that it brought her positive energy. I can't imagine a more perfect design! I'm just hoping it will work. :). There is also one more cool thing that happened at the expo but it's a surprise for chris so it's hush hush right now.
This week has been a little rough. It has been a continuation of last weekend with low blood pressure and high nerve pain levels. Last weekend I had a hard time getting out of the hotel because I couldn't sit up, but the excitement kept my mind off of the nerve pain. It's been same all week but more difficult during the rainy week
I do feel pretty good right now though and chris and I are headed to lake gaston today! Wedding planing also continues as I get my wedding website together. 55 more days!
For dinner out my first night in jersey we went to this crazy restaurant! It had ridiculously oversized portions! I ate off other people knowing there would be some serious extras! It was really my first time out without a very close friend or family member to help me out, but again the group was super helpful. One girl Auti basically pushed me and herself when I got tired on a hill. Chelsie and her cool dad were super helpful too. Thanks girls. Shout out to Team Colours! Hopefully I'll be selling these things like crazy when I learn all the info. Oh and I took my mom and grandma to this place, which I forgot to mention has the worlds largest pickle bar. Haha. I got a pancake and took it home in an X L pizza box!
So I picked out my wheelchair back fabric! It is from a website called ninetomatoes.com. They specialize in a design called mandalas. “A mandala is a constant organism that is complete within itself but full of all these compartments. The human mind and energy body are the same. They’re just not always as symmetrical. That’s why the mandalas feel so good because they give us symmetry and balance…” – Lee Harris they were kind enough to give me my fabric for free after hearing my story. The mandala design creator and website owner told me she made this design during a hard time in her life and that it brought her positive energy. I can't imagine a more perfect design! I'm just hoping it will work. :). There is also one more cool thing that happened at the expo but it's a surprise for chris so it's hush hush right now.
This week has been a little rough. It has been a continuation of last weekend with low blood pressure and high nerve pain levels. Last weekend I had a hard time getting out of the hotel because I couldn't sit up, but the excitement kept my mind off of the nerve pain. It's been same all week but more difficult during the rainy week
I do feel pretty good right now though and chris and I are headed to lake gaston today! Wedding planing also continues as I get my wedding website together. 55 more days!
- Sunday, May 22, 2011 11:21 PM, EDT
A year ago right now I was having the best time ever at my bachelorette party and everything in my life changed a couple hours later. But I'm celebrating my quadiversary this year as so many amazing things have happened. Quad rugby, new friends, closer old friends, National news, a home remodel, a loaned van from BraunAbility, a free wedding and honeymoon from 1800registry, and now i'm a new member of the Colours wheelchair team! Why not embrace it! This next year of my injury will be dedicated to helping others like I was helped. I've got to figure out something super cool to do. Something huge.
I was at the abilities expo this weekend and I had a blast seeing all of the equipment and fun stuff for people with disabilities. I finally picked out my Colours Wheelchair and met the other girls from Team Colours! They are so super sweet and welcoming. I was the only quad and being one year post injury they were there to help me out. Thanks girls!
Thank you sooooo much to everyone who has been there for the past year. You win some friends and you lose some, but relationships have grown with those who have been there from the beginning. Can't put into words how much your letters and messages helped me smile in the beginning and have continued to lift me up. THANK YOU! :)
I was at the abilities expo this weekend and I had a blast seeing all of the equipment and fun stuff for people with disabilities. I finally picked out my Colours Wheelchair and met the other girls from Team Colours! They are so super sweet and welcoming. I was the only quad and being one year post injury they were there to help me out. Thanks girls!
Thank you sooooo much to everyone who has been there for the past year. You win some friends and you lose some, but relationships have grown with those who have been there from the beginning. Can't put into words how much your letters and messages helped me smile in the beginning and have continued to lift me up. THANK YOU! :)
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 6:48 PM, EDT
We have had a pretty calm few weeks until recently! The other week i went to a doctor who is helping me do some electrical stimulation on my arm. When the E-stim was on and i attempted to pinch my fingers, it worked! We will see what happens with that!
This past Friday, chris and I were able to have our first date night in a very long time. We went out to the comedy club to see Ralphie May. He was so hilarious! It was so nice going out on the town together.
Things have been really great lately as wedding plans are coming together! This past weekend chris and I headed to the Fearrington House in pittsboro, nc to do some wedding planning. We started off with some cake tasting and I'm thinking that was one of Chris's favorite Parts. Im not super adventurous as i really dislike chocolate. I. Know it's weird but, hey, we all have our corks! We picked the schedule, the yummy menu and threw around some cool decoration ideas! Ive also tried on my original wedding dress and im so happy to say it will still work in a wheelchair. The wedding will be on July 22nd and we are all just so excited! We have been waiting so long for this day and I couldn't be happier!
This coming weekend is the abilities expo in new York and I am so excited to be attending! It will be a very long ride in the van so it's a good thing it's super comfy! I am still a pretty new injury and so I have a lot to learn. I'm very excited to be meeting some members of the BraunAbility family!
This past Friday, chris and I were able to have our first date night in a very long time. We went out to the comedy club to see Ralphie May. He was so hilarious! It was so nice going out on the town together.
Things have been really great lately as wedding plans are coming together! This past weekend chris and I headed to the Fearrington House in pittsboro, nc to do some wedding planning. We started off with some cake tasting and I'm thinking that was one of Chris's favorite Parts. Im not super adventurous as i really dislike chocolate. I. Know it's weird but, hey, we all have our corks! We picked the schedule, the yummy menu and threw around some cool decoration ideas! Ive also tried on my original wedding dress and im so happy to say it will still work in a wheelchair. The wedding will be on July 22nd and we are all just so excited! We have been waiting so long for this day and I couldn't be happier!
This coming weekend is the abilities expo in new York and I am so excited to be attending! It will be a very long ride in the van so it's a good thing it's super comfy! I am still a pretty new injury and so I have a lot to learn. I'm very excited to be meeting some members of the BraunAbility family!
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