A little over a month ago, Magee invited all patients and former patients to share photos of themselves engaging in activities they never thought they would be able to do again after their illness or injury for our first Believe in a Way Back Photo Contest. The photos and stories we received were incredible – truly.
After narrowing down the contestants from 32 to 9 to 4, we are now in the final round. Today, we’re going to introduce you to our two finalists as they share how they were able to believe in a way back.
Meet Bryn McMahon
Why did you choose the photo you submitted?
This photo was taken on my first day as a freshman at Edinboro University. I chose this picture because it was a huge accomplishment for me. I was injured in 2010 during my sophomore year of high school. After getting hurt, I was determined not to fall behind in school because I really wanted to graduate high school with friends whom I started with. Getting into college was always a goal of mine and it was even more satisfying because I achieved it while learning how to live with a spinal cord injury. Going away to college really helped me gain independence and showed me that even if you are injured, there are still millions of amazing opportunities.
What advice would you have for someone who has just sustained a spinal cord injury?
In the beginning, learning how to live with your injury will probably be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. That is just a temporary thing. As you progress, you will start figuring out that you can accomplish so many things just in a different way. Life is a journey!
What would winning this contest mean to you?
It would be important to me because I feel like it would show people that your life doesn’t stop after an injury. Keep aiming for goals that you’ve had since before you were injured, because those are the ones that give you the most satisfaction when you achieve them.
The winner of the Believe in a Way Back Photo Contest will be featured in the Fall 2013 issue of Magee’s Can Do magazine. Click here to vote for Bryn!
