Jade Greenhalgh

My name is Jade Greenhalgh, I am eighteen years old. On July 3, 2005, I was involved in an automobile accident in which the truck I was a passenger in rolled six times partially ejecting me out the window on the forth roll and the truck rolling over me. I fractured T-8 which resulted in my being paralyzed from there down. My other injuries included a fractured right femur, several broken ribs, a punctured left lung, C-7 and T-1 where also fractured (I could have been a quad) and several places of my brain were bleeding. I spent seven weeks at the University of Utah hospital. I went through their rehab program for three and a half weeks, where I was taught how to live my life from a wheel chair. I told them at rehab that I would walk again some day.

Then I met Leighton Weber and got involved in his Sit Tall Stand Tall program. Leighton has taught me many wonderful things and the most important is learning to walk again. On March 10, 2006 (eight months after my accident and six months with Leighton) I received my leg braces and began learning how to walk with my braces and canes. One goal I made, even when I was still at the hospital, was that I would walk across the stage at my high school graduation and receive my diploma. On May 30, 2006, I did just that. I walked with my class and received my diploma! After having my braces for four months, I no longer have a wheelchair. Everything I do and anywhere I go is by walking. Yes, my walking is still a little different because I can't feel my legs. It started out very slow, but each day and each week I see myself geting faster. That was my goal; to walk again and her I am doing just that. Now my goal is to someday walk without my leg braces. I know with hard work and determination I will see that goal come true. Patience is a virtue. Thanks to Leighton and all the other Warriors.