"Playful push into pool leaves bride-to-be paralyzed"
This sort of headline gets you intrigued right? A few months ago I came across a story of a young couple living in Raleigh engaged to be married. Rachelle was from Virgina and met her fiance, Chris Chapman of North Carolina, at Eastern Carolina University. They are such an adorable couple! Rachelle and Chris were anxiously awaiting their wedding date, June 27, but one night drastically changed their plans. On May 23, Rachelle was back in her native Virginia Beach for a bachelorette party. After a night of fun, the girls came home to go for a late night swim when they were playing around having innocent fun like they always did. However, when one of the bridesmaids pushed Rachelle into the pool she fell in away that caused her to break her C6 spinal vertebra, leaving her quadriplegic. It was a complete freak accident and Rachelle has never blamed the friend that caused the accident. "People look at it like this is something that happened to me, but it happened to both of us," Friedman said of her friend, whom she has never publicly blamed. Rachelle continues to protected her friends identity and the friend will be invited to her wedding. Unfortunately, the section of the pool her friend pushed her in was only 3 and a half feet deep, and Rachelle plunged headfirst. A complete freak accident that was completely innocent and not malicious. Rachelle Friedman immediately knew something was wrong. "As soon as I hit the water, I felt my body kind of stiffen up. I went numb and I heard a crack in my neck," she said.
For a young, active girl only 25 years old, the injury was devastating. "I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn't do it enough," she says of her soon-to-be husband, Chris. "Looking back, I would have done it every night." In a quote from Rachelle's website, "Most people in Rachelle's position would plummet into despair. However, she has maintained a level of confidence and hope that is remarkable and inspiring. Her fortitude in the face of such adversity has become an inspiration to many." So, what about her fiance? Chris has been a source of constant support and love for Rachelle. He has been by her side every step of the way and can't wait for the day they can marry.
I've seen this story covered in countless newspapers and television news shows, and I admire everything about Rachelle and Chris. To have Rachelle's positive attitude given this horrible accident is amazing and inspiring. And we can't forget about Chris! This situation is also difficult on him and he has been faithfully by her side every step of the way. Every time I see something on this couple I just can't help but feel so emotional! I cannot imagine what this couple and their families are going through during this difficult time transitioning into a new lift after the accident.
Naturally wedding plans for the college sweethearts were put on hold immediately following the accident. As soon as she was able, Rachelle began physical therapy to "relearn how to use her arms and hands, albeit with limited range of motion," according to John Springer from msnbc.com. "Every day's a fight. There are so many things I am unable to do right now. You have to fight if you're going to get there," she [Rachelle] said. "There is no use in being down in the dumps and depressed. It's not going to get you anywhere."
Well, great news! The couple is getting married this weekend! Complications with medicaid is one of the reasons the wedding had been put off. "I'll be happy and relieved to see her coming down the aisle," Chapman says. "It's something we've been working on for quite a while." Now that the big day is set for July 22, and Rachelle keeps followers updated on her progress and wedding plans via social media. The bride is wearing her original wedding dress, which has been altered to fit her wheelchair needs and smaller frame. They will be taking a honeymoon to Fiji, where I'm sure they'll enjoy some much needed R&R!
In a recent Today Show follow up interview, the couple discussed some future goals. Number 1 on the list is to keep Rachelle active. She's learning wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, and recently surprised Chris with a handcycle so they can ride bikes together. They couple is also working hard to save enough money to send Rachelle to a three-week physical therapy treatment in California that cost about $15,000. Although Rachelle just finished a round of therapy, she will need more advanced therapy come September. A foundation based in Beverly Hills, Calif. called Walking with Anthony will pay for Friedman and her mother to attend the three-week session at Project Walk. Founder Micki Purcell, whose son, Anthony, suffered a similar injury after diving in the ocean, says Friedman will get time to recover from that intensive treatment before the foundation pays for another session. "It costs a lot of money to get out of a wheelchair," Purcell said Monday, adding that she believes Friedman is a perfect candidate to walk again. People have walked out the clinic with Rachelle's exact injury. Rachelle says she's anxious to try it out, and hopes it works out for her.
It's almost impossible to read anything about Rachelle and Chris and not be motivated to jump up and help. From the moment I saw this story I felt such a strong pull to Rachelle and Chris. I want to help them get their dream wedding, and help Rachelle accomplish her recovery goals. Many people have reached out in their time of need to help with financial burdens. To help this couple, go to 1800Registry to see all their wedding details and how you can help contribute to their dream day. There are a few different ways to donate money to this couple, who truly deserve the best life has to offer. Be sure to visit Rachelle's website where she keeps a blog and you can find contact information for donations: http://www.rachellefriedman.com/.
I wish Rachelle and Chris all the luck in the world, and the happiest of weddings. I hope your days are filled with joy and laughter, and you continue to lean on each other for support. Rachelle- I hope you achieve great success in therapy and reach all your goals in life.
