Bio:
In 2017, while serving as the county’s Emergency Response Coordinator, Kinzie survived a severe single-vehicle accident at the age of twenty three. The crash required multiple fire departments from across the county to work together to extricate her from the vehicle. Prior to the accident, she was highly active and enjoyed snowboarding, wakeboarding, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Approximately a year and a half later, ongoing numbness in her legs led to an MRI that revealed a syrinx spanning from T5–T12, introducing her to a new reality that included neurosurgeons, extensive testing, and long-term medical care.
As time progressed, her symptoms became increasingly severe and complex. What began as pins and needles evolved into chronic burning pain, electrical shock sensations, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, blood pooling, muscle spasms, brain fog, increased intracranial pressure, muscle atrophy, bowel and bladder complications, and additional neurological challenges. During this period, she attended multiple medical appointments each week in search of answers and treatment options.
By October 2019, partial paralysis in her legs resulted in becoming a wheelchair user.
When she was ultimately informed that I was not a candidate for a safe surgical shunt procedure, she entered inpatient rehabilitation to learn the skills necessary to adapt to life in a wheelchair. Rather than allowing that moment to define her future, she focused on rebuilding my independence. Throughout 2020, with the support of her medical team, family, and community, she regained confidence and adapted to a new way of living.
Moving Forward:
Today, she continue learning how Syringomyelia impacts her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each day presents unique challenges, and she has learned the importance of respecting her body and its limitations. Despite those challenges, she has been able to return to sports both recreationally and competitively, live independently, and resume full-time work.
Kinzie’s Statement:
I AM HEARD Coalition plays a critical role in our community as medical professionals continue to advance their understanding of Syringomyelia. This organization brings awareness, advocacy, and individuals together to remind those living with this condition that they are not alone. By sharing our experiences and raising our voices, we can help change perceptions and improve understanding of Syringomyelia for future patients and families.
