In November 1982 when I was 20-years-old, I was cutting down a huge tree. Suddenly, the tree split into two halves, fell down, and pinned me in between the two halves. This broke three of my lumbar vertebrae, bruised my heart, and crushed my left wrist and face. I was told I would likely never […]

When I was 15 years old I was diagnosed with a rare and acute brain abnormality known as an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). To address this life threatening malformation, I underwent invasive brain surgery at the age of 16.  The surgery was a success in eliminating the AVM; however, as a complication I started experiencing some swelling […]

Gaelyn lives in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A few years ago, she was unhappy with her weight and decided to exercise. While exercising she was experiencing pain in her lower leg and was told it was tendonitis and instructed to rest for six months. This was not ideal for her with her new […]

I stood on the side of the mountain looking back to how far I had come. I was tired, exhausted, and in pain. I was done. Standing here, the incline was so steep, I could only place part of my boot in the snow. I’m glad I had the trekking poles. Those and my good […]

After 22 years, Erin found her own way to Get Back Up. Read about her journey, living with foot drop and running her first ever marathon!