At 22, I had my whole life ahead of me, but finding myself in a wheelchair was far from what I had envisioned for my future. I had to change my plans and see what life had to offer me with my new reality. Today, I realize how many wonderful opportunities life has given me and how I’ve made the most of them. I am proud of how far I’ve come, and here, I’m sharing a glimpse of my journey with you.
MY CHILDHOOD
Ever since I was little, I was a real ball of energy. At four years old, my mother enrolled me in gymnastics classes, but I was always climbing where I wasn’t supposed to. Over the years, this sport became a true passion, and later, a way of life during my three years in a sports-study program in high school. I even made it my first profession, working as a coach for a few years.
SNOWBOARDING
When I was a teenager, snowboarding came into my life. It was a new sport that gave me an incredible sense of freedom. It was a sport where everyone encouraged each other and where I really felt like myself. At the time, I had no idea how much this sport would change my life!
When I entered college, I gave up gymnastics to devote myself full-time to my studies in graphic design and my snowboarding. Soon, my whole life began to evolve around this new passion: my circle of friends, my hobbies, my projects.
After spending my first summer in Whistler, I landed some sponsorships and slowly started making a name for myself in competitions. Once I graduated, I moved permanently to Whistler with my boyfriend, Éric, with the goal of becoming a professional snowboarder. Shortly after, I landed a graphic design contract with the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, a project that allowed me to explore all aspects of my field and kick-start my career with Metamorfic! I had everything I needed to be happy!
THE ACCIDENT
At the end of my first winter in Whistler, I competed in the US Open, one of the most influential snowboarding events at the time. Determined, I delivered one of the best performances of my life, earning 2nd place in the pre-qualifications. The next day, I was competing in the qualifiers alongside the pros! It was the best day of my life!
Despite a fall in my first run, I knew I still had a chance. I went into my second run with confidence. Everything was going well until I fell again. This time, I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t feel the lower half of my body. When the medic asked if I could feel my feet, I knew something was seriously wrong.
I was airlifted to the hospital, where I underwent a seven-hour surgery. My spine was stabilized with metal rods due to damage to my D5-D6 vertebrae. After the surgery, the diagnosis of paraplegia didn’t come as a surprise, I had already known the moment I fell. My life was about to change completely, but one thing was certain: I would return to Whistler to continue my life with Éric.
REHABILITATION
A week after my surgery, I was transferred back to Quebec to begin my rehabilitation. Éric was by my side every day, helping me through this challenge, along with the support of my family and friends, which gave me even more strength.
The athlete in me quickly saw this situation as a new challenge to overcome. To the surprise of the medical staff, I had already come to terms with my injury and was ready to move forward. Thanks to my gymnastics background, I quickly learned how to do my transfers. After spending so many years walking on my hands, moving around using my arms came naturally!
After three months, I was on a plane back to Whistler. My contract for the Festival was waiting for me, and Éric had already moved our belongings into a new, wheelchair-accessible apartment.
BACK TO WHISTLER
When I arrived in Whistler, I immediately felt the support of the community. A fundraiser was organized to help me get adaptive ski equipment and get back on the mountain. Meanwhile, the Festival team set up my workstation at home to make my transition easier, allowing me to return to work quickly.
I soon got back into sports. That first summer, I swam and tried adaptive mountain biking. In the winter, I started sit-skiing with my instructor, Chris, who would later become a great friend and the one who got me to do my first bungee jump!
I made several visits to the Vancouver Rehabilitation Center for follow-ups on my condition and to get my first permanent wheelchair. I also learned to walk using braces and Canadian crutches.
My boyfriend and I spent three more amazing years enjoying this little paradise. My business, Metamorfic, quickly grew its clientele thanks to my initial contract with the Festival. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to explore every aspect of my profession while also learning English!
BACK TO QUEBEC
In 2004, it was time to move back closer to our families and friends. So, we embarked on a cross-country road trip to settle in Quebec. I continued growing my business and quickly built a new client base here.
I also work professionally in photography and painting. I offer photography services to my Metamorfic clients for projects that are accessible to me, and my paintings are available for sale.
The athlete in me led me to equip myself for various sports beyond alpine skiing. From road cycling to cross-country skiing, as well as wakeboarding, surfing, paddleboarding, and, most recently, skating with an adaptive hockey sled.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been increasingly involved in improving accessibility on various levels, while proudly serving as an ambassador for Sunrise Medical, a Canadian distributor of Quickie and RGK wheelchairs.
With the help of a kinesiology friend, we created Be Wheeling, a website with workout videos for people with reduced mobility. I also established an adaptive paddleboarding club in Quebec with the help of three health professionals. This project was later adopted by Adaptavie, allowing people with reduced mobility to go out on the water once a week with the help of wonderful volunteers!
I still have many other projects in the works, and I continue to explore everything life has to offer to challenge myself and get involved in improving accessibility!