As far back as I can remember I have been interested in health and fitness. During my childhood I was always involved in sports and as an adult, I continued to be fit and health conscious. I was an avid gym-goer, runner, and it was my passion to educate young people about the importance of health, as a high school teacher and coach. But in May 2008, with no warning at all, my life changed forever. My boyfriend Paul (now husband), was paralyzed in a serious accident. My life as I knew it would never be the same. He was hospitalized for over four months and I rarely left his side. Throughout this time, his life and health were the only things on my mind. We finally came home from the hospital in the fall of 2008 and by the winter I had gained almost 25 pounds. It seemed like all of the things that I believed in and taught others just went out the window. Not only was I learning to deal with our new life, but also the weight gain and lack of physical activity just worsened the situation. Being my husband’s caregiver and working full time made it difficult to find time to take care of myself. My gym membership went by the wayside and ordering food became routine as we were trying to cope with the situation. Finally, in February 2009 (before picture), I decided that I could no longer be a victim. I knew that I had to take my life by the horns and make it work. My challenging situation was not going to change, but I knew that I had to get healthy again for my husband and myself. I mean, how could I expect to take care of him if I wasn't well? It was not easy to adopt my old lifestyle of eating healthy and getting to the gym, but with good planning and the help of my friend/coach Lindsay Messina, I was able to set and work toward my goals. My husband and what he has gone through is the most motivating factor for me. Paul is my inspiration. He is the bravest person I know and I am very proud of him. Pre-accident we would always go to the gym together as part of our nightly routine. Now, because of his condition he can no longer do that in the same capacity. But, I still can, and therefore, I feel that I must. I really think of being able to be fit and physically active as a privilege. There is nothing more frustrating than hearing my friends complain about having to do cardio or getting to the gym. Really, I cannot even tell you the price that my husband would pay to run his old Saturday morning run, one last time. Recently, I have become actively involved in the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. It is my goal to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and paralysis; there is so much more to being paralyzed than not walking. Unfortunately, it seems to me that much if the world has been misinformed. Also, I am committed to raising funds for spinal cord research. It is my hope that one day my husband and others living with paralysis will be cured. Although, it has taken a lot of hard work and determination, I can happily say that I have begun to reach some of my health and fitness goals. I got on stage for the first time this fall and am so grateful to have met so many wonderful women in the process. I can still remember talking to Cathy in April and telling her the doubts I had because of my situation. She just told me that I was such a strong woman and she had faith in me. I have to thank her because she had confidence when I didn’t and look at what I have accomplished! I am very happy to be a part of such a great team-CSF is the best and I really look forward to great things in the future. PBO is going to rock in 2010!! Thanks again to Cathy and Lindsay, I really am so appreciative. To those reading this, please do not be sympathetic. I have a great life and would not have it any other way. I have a wonderful and loving husband, and we are grateful to have a solid network of supportive family and friends. I cannot say that my life is easy, but who would say that theirs is? Shannon Prasarn
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