“She has not just recovered, she has prevailed!”

Like other girls her age, 17-year-old Mh’Chiya J. had dreams to succeed and was looking forward to the future; she was ready to graduate, working, and planning to attend college for real estate. She loved her life, playing basketball, running track, and spending time with friends. There were no limits to the things she had set her mind on accomplishing.

In a flash of pain and the distant wail of sirens, Mh’Chiya was rushed to the Medical University of South Carolina for life-saving treatment as her dreams and plans were shattered by the choice of another person. The life she was planning had ultimately stopped. Suddenly, she was told she was lucky to be alive and that she needed intense therapy to improve her quality of life but that she may never walk again.

It didn’t feel like luck, and it sure didn’t seem fair. Things that came easy were now difficult. Mh’Chiya now had to ask for help with basic tasks, like taking a shower or eating, and even learning to fold clothes presented new challenges. For some reason, God’s perfect plan didn’t feel so perfect any longer and that’s the point Mh’Chiya realized she needed to lean into it.

Business Development Specialist Alex stated, “As I sit and share a moment with Mh’Chiya, it is clear to me her story is not over. This was never a give-up moment for her. It was just a ‘pivot’ so to speak. She found strength in prayer and her unwavering therapy staff at Rehab Without Walls helped her to believe fully in herself and her abilities again. She didn’t give up when her braces cut into her skin, or when things didn’t go right.”

Months of recovery have passed as Mh’Chiya continues to not only improve, but to live. This whole journey has helped her to realize, she is stronger, more resilient, and more determined than she ever knew. Fast forward from the day that changed her life, Mh’Chiya is going out with friends and finishing high school virtually. She is planning to attend college online and is taking more time to love the woman God has created.

Alex goes on to say, “We, myself, and the therapy team who supported Mh’Chiya are so grateful to be a blip in this beautiful young woman’s life. She has not just recovered, she has prevailed! With her faith stronger than ever, she will push herself harder knowing that she is unstoppable. Fueled by gratitude for everyone that has and will continue to support her recovery journey, she smiles through life, one moment at a time.”

“Don’t let being in a wheelchair or not being able to walk stop you from doing anything in this world. You can do anything you set your mind to.” – Mh’Chiya J.