BREAKING NEWS:  My story was featured in the 2011 National Center for Sports Safety Annual Report (I am humbled to be the sole teenage athlete highlighted in the report).  This was a HUGE honor and I am so glad to tell my story in hopes that someone else can learn from it.  Click HERE to see the article.  I was also featured on WCCO news (Minneapolis/St. Paul local CBS affiliate) in a story about my accident and platform as Miss Teen Minnesota International.  Click HERE to see the video.  Thanks for watching!

Gabby pictured here with her Co-Captain Erica after winning a state division title!

Electro-therapy was often used in the attempt to wake up the muscles and promote the probability of normal nerve functionality.

Physical therapy quickly became a normal part of Gabby's life!

During a routine cheerleading practice, we were trying to perfect a stunt in preparation for a big meet we had the following day.  During a dismount, a teammate of mine landed with her shoulder on the right side of my neck.  The pain was searing but I kept going because I knew we had to nail it.  We tried the stunt again, and once again my teammate landed with her shoulder on my neck.  I could feel the pain shooting down my arm but once again we forged ahead.  I didn’t want to disappoint my coach or my teammates.  No pain no gain, right?  I wish I knew then how wrong I was…


On the third try, the exact same thing happened and at that point my life changed forever.  I could not move my right arm—it was paralyzed.


I was immediately rushed into the athletic trainer’s office.  With one look at my arm she sent me to Urgent Care.  As soon as we walked in, they referred us to the Emergency Room.  Numerous tests and X-rays later I was told nothing was broken—oh how I wish it would have been that easy.  The following day I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon who then sent me to a neurologist.  The neurologist proceeded to poke me with needles up and down my arm and neck.  The pain was so excruciating to the point where brushing my hair, being touched or even wearing a shirt with sleeves was completely unbearable. 


I was finally referred to a pain specialist who diagnosed me with CRPS as well as significant nerve damage.  I started physical therapy and endured several "nerve blocks" (basically a large needle was injected into my neck to attempt to block my pain with injected medication).  Trust me, this is something I pray no one ever has to experience.  I would receive this treatment every three days but the nerve blocks only gave me minimal relief.


Before each procedure, IV's were used and the nausea was overwhelming.  After enduring this procedure several times I simply couldn’t take it anymore.  I had to find an alternative treatment plan.  My doctor and family decided that surgical intervention was my only option.  In February 2010, I underwent spinal surgery to implant a Spinal Cord Stimulator.  The recovery was long and grueling, not to mention emotionally exhausting. 

Gabby after a particularly difficult surgery.

By that time I had missed about four months of school.  In order to graduate with my class, I started home bound education where a teacher came to my house to help me get my work done.  With the end of my sophomore year approaching, I decided I should try to get back to school.  I went back to school for only half days.  This was very difficult for me.  Getting ready in the morning takes me twice as long as the normal female (which is quite a long time even when you have the use of both arms!!).  Being right-handed, I have had to re-learn EVERYTHING!  From buttoning my shirts, zipping my pants, curling my hair, applying makeup, doing homework, opening food packages to adapting to a new life without cheerleading, exercise, and normalcy. I am so blessed to work with some of the best care providers in the world right here in the Twin Cities.  Thankfully my prognosis is good, they cannot put a date to when they believe I will recover, however I now know there is a light at the end of my tunnel.

What happened to me could happen to anyone who is involved in extra-curricular sporting events or recreational activities.  High school sports are more competitive than ever.  As a result, students and coaches need to be re-educated on how to play it SAFE.  It is my goal to educate others on this topic and create awareness of how we can win both on AND off the field.  No one should have to endure what I have.  It is still hard for me to believe that one day I was Captain of a nationally competitive cheerleading team and the next day I was bedridden and robbed of precious time as a teenager.  I am here as a living example of just how important Sports Safey Awareness and Education is.  You could be one match, one cheer, one game, one yard, or one goal away from being in my position.  

Little sister Bella lending some love and support!

Teddy bears always help!

I will BEAT this!