My Journey Through a Paramotor Accident and the Lessons I Learned

Flying has always held a special place in my heart. Not because of the rush of adrenaline, but the freedom of soaring through the air and admiring Gods handiwork. I love going up and exploring above the ground and seeing everything in a different light, a new perspective. However, that freedom comes with risks, a reality I learned the hard way. This is the story of my paramotor accident, the recovery that followed, and the valuable lessons I gained about flying, resilience, and personal growth.

The Day Everything Changed

It was an ordinary fall time in Quincy, Illinois. Fright fest wasn't until a few more days, but we arrived early since it was a 10-hour trip, and we wanted to get some practice time in before the field got busy. We planned on staying for two weeks to up our ratings. Cody, my husband, was going for an instructor wheel tandem, and I wanted to get my PPG2 rating. I've been working very hard on perfecting my skills. Mike, our friend and instructor, had a class after Fright Fest that Cody was to help teach. We looked forward to this annual event and was beyond excited to see everyone. 

We arrived, got our camper set up, and got Coral's things in place. That's my bunny. She goes to all of our fly-ins with us. She is well traveled. lol We hugged everyone that was there and hung out. Catching up with our friends. They all became like family to us. We just wished they didn't have to live so far away. We missed them dearly. That evening was windy and rainy, so we didn't fly, but it was awesome just being with everyone again.

The next morning was perfect. A few of us that were there set up our stuff and flew around the area. We had been coming to the field of dreams since we trained in March of 2018, so we knew the area pretty well. There’s quarries and windmills and just lots of cool things to fly around.  When we landed, we all went out to get breakfast at a local diner. The inside jokes kept rolling and new ones were made.  

We spent the next day laughing and having a great time enjoying each other's company. By evening, Cody and I wanted to practice some of our skills to prepare for our upcoming tests. We got our gear ready, fuel tanks filled up and got ready for takeoff. I stand and watch.  Like I always do before I fly, I waited for him to go up first to let me know if the winds aloft were good. He signaled all was good, so I started my motor, checked everything was good and began to run. I brought up my wing and went full throttle into the air. I felt free. I looked up, smiled as I thought “I can’t believe that I get to do this whenever I want.” This feeling is incredible. Something you should bottle and take like a supplement. A new take on feeling high. I flew around the field a bit but since it was getting late, I didn't have a lot of time to practice.

I watched Cody as he effortlessly did spot landings and touch and go's. One after another. He landed beautifully each time. I could only imagine to be that good and talented. He truly is amazing. I tried touch and go's before, but I couldn't get a handle on them. My fear got in the way each and every time. I was determined to get at least a few in. My fear is NOT getting in my way this time! Nope. Just kidding.  Every time I came in, I got scared and got right back on the throttle to go back up and try again. shaking my head, I started to get frustrated thinking “why can’t I do this?” I’m trying so hard. What am I doing wrong? Knowing I was getting in my head, I then practiced some spot landings, which I NAILED!!! I felt like I was doing better and better. I was getting excited and giddy.  I was just getting over my fear and my anxiety, and I was getting to where I wanted to be. (Flying has always been a struggle for me.) It clicked! FINALLY! I'm sure you could feel the giddiness radiating off of me. I had to call it a night as it was past our allotted fly time. (Half hour before and after sunrise and sunset.) Putting our gear away I was smiling from ear to ear. I was so happy. High on life.

More of our friends had shown up during the day. Fright fest officially starts tomorrow. We all sat around inside the hanger. Paramotors littered the side of the building. Discover, Mike's dog made her rounds to say hi to everyone. One of the guys brought his parrot, Barry. I LOVED that bird. He was so cute. He sat on my shoulder and gave me lots of kisses. I contemplated bringing Coral in, but she would NOT be thrilled. She’s a bit of a loner with an attitude problem lol 

The next morning, we peaked out the camper windows. It was a beautiful overcast day, with slight winds. The perfect fall day. It was October 14th, 2022, Kind of chili but the weather was fine for flying. I just got my brand-new custom seafoam flight suit in February and was excited to try it out. It fit perfectly! 

I meticulously prepped my gear and topped off my tank. My heart was racing with excitement. 

Since getting my new motor and new MacPara wing, flying was fun again. I didn't struggle so much like I had with my different gear. I really wished that I didn't go the cheaper route after we trained.  I wish I just would’ve got this set up in the beginning. I felt confident. I felt amazing. I felt like I could do it all. Especially since the previous night I was nailing my spot landings and doing awesome. Little did I know, I was on the brink of a life-altering experience.

Cody was already up flying and playing like he always does. I was too focused on starting my motor, that was giving me fits and making sure everything was in its place.  Sean, one of our best friends, asked me what Cody was doing. (Signaling "NO GOOD" to me), but I just responded, "oh he's probably just playing", as I continue to try and pull start my motor not looking up. He ended up pulling it for me.  I then looked at Cody and he looked fine and stable, totally missing that he signaled to me not to fly. (Or I was so focused on flying I missed it. I don’t really know) So, I went for it. I thought If I didn't like the air, I'd make a lap and set her down. Not a big deal. Apparently, it was.

I took a deep breath, ran my motor up, I was excited, and I ran. Bringing up my wing in seconds. As I launched into the sky full throttle, I was lifted weightlessly into my seat. About 50-80 ft in the air, I felt some bumps. Not long after that I twisted in my risers. I remember yelling "seriously?! " not again!  I "thought" I knew what to do. Thinking "I'm ok" as I tried to put my hands up and slowly let off the throttle. Everything happened so fast. In seconds, I found myself losing consciousness, not able to recover my wing like I knew I could. Everyone at the fly in said I Heli spiraled to the ground, still full throttle. Luckily my canopy was still fully inflated and is what saved my life.

The Aftermath

The chaos immediately following the crash was told to me by our friends and my husband who had witnessed it... I was immediately rushed to the hospital. I have no recollection of the chaos immediately following the crash. Just what everyone told me. They said I was yelling and screaming at the EMTs not to cut my flight suit as they tried to assess my injuries. They didn't know if I was paralyzed or if I would even make it. With the amount of blood I lost and the severity of the crash, I shouldn't have made it. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, where doctors did a full-body scan. After looking me over, they flew me to Springfield Hospital (which is a level 1 trauma center, and Quincy Hospital was not). I must have been heavily sedated because I don't remember anything. Cody got a video of the helicopter taking off and said the pilot did some superstitious circle thing. Cody met me in Springfield, which is a 2-hour drive away from the field.

When I came to, I was lying in a hospital bed. I looked around, listening to the beeping of the monitors. Cody was in a chair beside me. I looked over at him and he told me, "You're ok". I'm not sure if he felt my anxiety, as I had no clue where I was. He got a nurse and told her that I was awake. She came in, asked me what time it was, what my birthday was, and who the president was. I told her the time, what my birthday was, and that the president was Obama. lol Well, I got 2 out of three correct. She laughed and said Close enough. (President Biden was the correct answer.) She took my vitals, tickled my feet, checked me over, and did some more bloodwork. She asked what my pain level was on a scale from 1-10. I told her that if I didn't move, I had no pain. She asked what it was if I moved... I told her 12. (I was also on dilaudid and whatever else the LifeFlight EMTs gave me) they came in and administered my IV every so often which put me directly to sleep.

God was definitely looking after me. No question about that.

They discussed my injuries of shattered pelvis, fractured sacrum, fractured nose, fractured shoulder, brain bleed, concussion, and some minor scrapes and bruises and that I needed surgery. Unfortunately, the surgeon was up in Cleveland, of all places. He wasn't to return until another week. On the bright side, he was one of two of the BEST surgeons in the United States. So, I guess I'll wait. I felt so bad for Cody who stayed up there with me the entire time. I told him several times that he could go back to the field, that I'm just going to sleep anyway. He refused. He said, "not until you have surgery, and I know you'll be ok". He did have to leave the 17th since that night was supposed to be below freezing temperatures. We still had Coral in our camper, and he needed to keep her warm. I don't know how I could ever repay Sean, our friend, our brother, who made sure she was well cared for. No questions asked. 

I couldn't move anything except for my arms and my toes or pain would be EXTRUCIATING. They removed the pelvic wrap they had put around me. I'm not sure why, because it actually helped. Any slight movement I made was painful. I started to go crazy in just that one position. You know when you have a horrible itch, and you just can't get it.... try not getting it for almost a week. After a few days I couldn't stand it. I started saying I needed more dilaudid just so I would go to sleep.

The nurse would come in periodically to see if I wanted anything to eat. I always declined. There was absolutely no way I was pooping in a bed pan. So, water it was. The entire time. Nurses would come in wondering if something was wrong with the catheter for the contents to look like water. Nope just me drinking gallons of water to stay full. Looking back, I realize all the health benefits of fasting. Although they say you shouldn't go longer than 72 hours. woops. In 72 hours, it triggers autophagy, a cellular cleanup process where your body recycles damaged cells. This phase may also reduce inflammation, reset the immune system, clear cancer cells and support longevity. So, I was actually helping clear my body from all the inflammation and toxin buildup from my accident. Go me!

Finally, the surgeon returned a few days early, and I was scheduled for surgery on October 18th. The nurses came in and gave me a quick sponge bath, which absolutely KILLED! Cody kept telling me to breathe as I squeezed his hand in pain. Before the surgery, they would have to transfer me to another bed. Great! I had another anxiety now. I REALLY did not want them to do that. After a bit, the surgeon came in to meet us. He was nice and had a great bedside manner. As they wheeled my bed down the hall, I was in sheer panic mode. The surgeon tried making small talk, but I wasn't paying attention. Cody told him that I'm panicking about the bed transfer. I think I glared at him for selling me out. lol the surgeon then reassured me that I would be put under before they even touched me. I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear that! Before I knew it, I was unconscious. Cody said he talked to him for a little bit as they prepped me. 

After waking up from my surgery, I told Cody he can leave and go train the students like he was supposed to. Better late than never. I think he only missed a few days of the class. He went ahead and left seeing that I was fine. He gave me my phone, kissed me bye and out the door he went. I think the first thing I asked the nurse when she came in to check on me was when I could leave. She told me I had to eat, use the bathroom, and my pain level had to be in the "correct range" to leave. I smiled and asked, "and what would that range look like?" She laughed, looked around and said a 2.

OK, noted I ordered French toast and applesauce. It wasn't great. lol I asked if I was allowed to sit in the chair that was beside me. I was going so stir crazy in this bed. I NEEDED to move. Thankfully she let me. After I ate, they took me down for another full body scan and moved me out of the trauma center area. A physical therapist came in to ask questions about after I leave the hospital. She said she can't let me leave if the conditions weren't met, like my living conditions or if I didn't have help. I told her we are currently camping but we had friends that I could stay in their houses if need be. I had a very large support system, and I reassured her that I will be just fine. She had me walk with the walker and told me not to put weight on my right side. Apparently, I walked too well. She put her foot under my foot to see and, sure enough I wasn't putting any weight on it. That impressed her. I reminded her I wasn't her usual 80-year-old patient. Lol I walked around and saw that there was a shower in the bathroom. I got really excited! Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me shower just yet. I DESPERATELY NEEDED A SHOWER! I wanted to take a walk down the hall and outside. They didn't let me do that either. Such Buzz kills. After a few hours the nurse came in, took more bloodwork, asked my pain level, (a 2 lol) and asked why I was still there. I looked at her excited. She told me they like to keep patients a few days after surgery, but seeing how well I was doing, I could go ahead and leave. I immediately called Cody. He was training on the field. I told him to take his time if he needed to. That I would be here. Sean, who lives 40 min from Springfield, let him take their car to pick me up. They also let me borrow a walker that they had so we didn’t need to buy one.

Arriving back at the field, I felt off. I was so afraid that they hated me. That I ruined something. I felt despair creep in as I contemplated the future of my passion for flying. I knew I shouldn’t fly solo again. And I’m pretty positive no one else wants me to fly again either. That even though the sky calls to me, I have to deny that feeling. I survived. Twice. Let's not chance it for three. I hid out in the camper. Not sure what I should do. Cody finally got me to come out.  I missed the entire fright fest, but I was able to watch the student's train. Watching them was such a happy feeling. Remembering how it was for us when we trained on that very field, I was full of anxiety, unknown emotions and having so many things thrown at you at once, I understood how they all felt. We had great instructors, very patient, understanding and knowledgeable. After the class was over and everyone got their certificates, we packed up and headed home.  I think I slept the entire 10 hours.     

Embracing the Recovery Journey

In the days that followed, I didn’t want to be confined to the couch or a bed. I wanted to be strong and independent. I didn’t WANT to ask or NEED to ask for help when I should be able to do it myself. Funny how God humbles you in such ways. Cody made a bed in the den since I wasn’t able to climb the stairs. And believe me when I tell you I tried. I think I only made it 3 stairs by crawling. 

I went back to work the next day when we came home. Strolling in with my walker with my head held high (or so I thought), the bruises still visible on my face despite trying to hide them with all my makeup and having anxiety because I totally neglected to tell ANYONE about what happened. Oh, and getting out of the truck was tricky especially being 5-foot, arm in a sling and I couldn’t put any weight on my right side. I’m sure I looked very comical. 

I immediately started researching relentlessly on supplements I could take to expedite the healing process. I even started making all natural products like magnesium oil and cream to not only help my pain but sell for an added income. I researched rehab exercises and post-surgery strength building exercises too. Luckily, I also worked for a very good Chiropractor who gave me adjustments and recommended some exercises that I could do at different timeframe intervals (6-week, 12 week and so on). He also made me stay behind my desk. I was very lucky. 

Every night I took my new supplements and did my exercises. I started small with stretching, light yoga and bodyweight workouts. I slowly moved up to adding weights. (At 21 weeks I was able to get through a half hour workout. I was beyond thrilled reaching that milestone.)  A few times during the day and every night I continued to build my strength up. I had my own little physical therapy session going on. I was determined not to keep walking with a walker. I even got stuck in the kitchen thinking I was strong enough to get there and back without needing it. Nope. Stranded there holding on to the counter thinking “I messed up” Looking around trying to figure out how in the world I was going to make it back. I ended up sliding myself across the floor on my back. I imagined it looked like something out of The Grudge movie. After that I desperately needed a nap lol

2 weeks after we got home, I had my first orthopedic appointment. More x-rays and more unseen bills. But lucky for me, I met my deductible REAL quick. They said everything was healing as it should, and that the screws were still where they should be, but my shoulder still had a slight fracture. In a month I can get my staples removed and get a physical therapy plan scheduled as it will be 6 weeks after my surgery. 

I bought some things to help my recovery like a pelvic brace, a tens unit, a seat cushion, a pelvic ice pack wrap, a shoulder ice pack wrap, pain patches, and a small bag to put my meds and other things in

By thanksgiving, I graduated myself to a cane. I had to use it by crossing my body to the right side considering my arm wasn’t strong or healed enough to put my weight on it. Again, a humbling moment with attempting to get a simple plate of Thanksgiving dinner while using a cane with only 1 arm. I had to admit that I needed help. I’ve learned that it’s ok to ask for help and swallow your pride. I also know that you can’t use that as a crutch to not do anything. 

I was determined to still do things myself while asking when I needed it. It wasn’t that often though. It took me literally all day to vacuum and mop my kitchen and living room. And I was so worn out after. The struggle was real! But it also could have been much worse. I am truly grateful for that.

Finally, it was November 30th. I get my staples removed. The doctors were surprised to see me with just a cane. They even double checked my charts to see if it really was only 6 weeks post-surgery. They asked me what my secret was and what all I was doing. They cleared me for no more appointments unless something happens. They said apparently, I didn’t need physical therapy, and that it seemed I had everything under control. That at least made me feel good. I then went and treated myself to an iced coffee lol

At Christmastime, I received a very special package. It was from our friends from fright fest. Cody set up a chair by our tree (yes, I drug it downstairs and set it up myself) so I could open it while he recorded it. I had no idea what was in the box. As I read the card that was inside, I felt the surge of overwhelming emotion. It surrounded me so deeply that I barely was able to finish reading. The card had a list of the people who all pitched in and paid IN FULL for my paramotor AND a replica replacement of my destroyed flight suit. At that moment I had so many overwhelming feelings and was speechless, I still am. I couldn’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and donations.  And I still don’t feel like I deserved it.

That suit wasn’t just a gift. It symbolizes the warmth from all of our friends. The love they all have and the deeper meaning to which it carries. When I wear it, I feel the love and its warmth. If you know me, you know how often I wear that suit. It’s like wearing a special necklace you forever want to wear. 

After my accident and realizing how fast my recovery was going, we started going to church. This was a huge deal considering Cody was an atheist. He previously told me he would burn in if he stepped into a church. Well, thankfully he was wrong. He told me that when they took me in the ambulance he prayed to God that if he was truly real, that he would spare my life and make sure I wasn't paralyzed. God not only answered his prayer but gave me a very fast recovery time with minimal pain and no complications.

Even though I am half an inch shorter on the right, I will forever have hardware in my pelvis, hips and back, and I still have nerve damage in my leg and back today. But considering what could have happened, I am very lucky and give all the credit to him. He knew what he was doing when I decided to fly. He needed more in his army. And Cody makes a great addition of being a pillar in that army. He wasn't done with me yet. By using me, he got to him. It's funny how things work out. There's always a reason for events that happen in our lives. The good, the scary, and the ugly. We don't ever know what God has in store for us. We just need to have faith in him and trust that he knows what he's doing. I have faith in you God.   

This recovery period became an education in resilience along with my faith. I needed to do better. I needed to be better. I can't let fear stop me anymore. I can be determined, and I can do anything if I put my mindset in the right direction. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him, who strengthens me”. I just love that. 

Taking time to reflect has helped me appreciate what I have and looking at things with a new perspective. 

Support from the Community

Throughout my recovery, I received amazing support from friends and fellow pilots. Messages of encouragement flooded in, along with cards and donations. (we never set up, nor did we want a GO FUND ME) 

The accident was a tough but valuable teacher. One major lesson was that resilience is often forged in adversity. While it might seem unfair to face challenges, these times can lead to personal growth and increased knowledge and faith.

Additionally, I have developed an appreciation for asking for help when I don't understand something. No longer will I “fake it till I make it” I also have a deeper understanding of complacency. I was complacent thinking I could fly above my abilities just because I was doing well the previous night.   

Returning to the Skies

In June, at Korn Buzzards fly in, Sean promised he would take me on my first flight since my accident. Cody didn't have his tandem stuff yet, so this was my opportunity to fly. I think they both were more nervous than I was. As we took off, the thrill returned, but it was accompanied by a profound respect for the skies. I truly missed this feeling. Smiling and feeling that freedom made me high all day. I couldn't wait for Cody's gear to arrive so I can forever be his passenger. He still flies mine on occasion, but he mainly flies with me now. I will forever be thankful for him and everything that he has done and continues to do for me. Even something as simple as taking me flying, just so I can fly again.  

 Moving Forward

My journey through a paramotor accident transformed my understanding of resilience, responsibility, and community. For anyone passionate about flying—or any adventurous pursuit—always prioritize safety, learn from every experience, and embrace the journey. Remember that sometimes the toughest moments in life lead us to our greatest revelations. And never pretend that you know or understand more than you do.

My intention in writing my story was not to brag about how well or fast I healed, but to offer some kind of encouragement to someone in need. I struggled a lot and continue to struggle. Not only physically but mentally as well. Survivor's guilt is a very real thing. I'm not sure if I'll ever get over that, but I'll try to do whatever I can in their honor. I still have pain every day. Some days, (ok, most days), I overdo it, and I pay the consequences, but I can't let that keep me from doing the things I want to do. Since my accident, I ran a 5K, got my AFF in skydiving, Got certified in scuba diving, went trail Mountain biking, and hiked up a mountain, among other things, and more that are still to come.