One evening my friend and I were riding our bicycles home from a sauna room where I was reducing my weight for a wrestling match. I was hit head-on by an automobile, leaving my body paralized from the shoulders down. Diagnosed with a C-4/5 spinal injury, the doctors gave me no hope of ever walking. Severely traumatized but encouraged that my life could still be full, I endured 7 months of rehabilitation. I received care at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital by some of the best therapists around. They helped me re-learn to feed myself and push a manual wheelchair that had pegs on the rims, because I could not grip with my hands. Deep depression set in as I fought to regain as much muscle strength as possible. The manual wheelchair was a challenge; my therapists needed to see if I could use it at home on a daily basis. A spinal injury is something an individual has to mentally deal with daily; the loss of feeling, movement and change in bodily functions is tremendous. My muscle recovery was not sufficient to use the manual chair safely in daily life and I was relieved when I received an electric wheelchair before leaving the hospital.

My father, family and some class friends were around to encourge and push me to do more after I left the hospital and went home. I returned to my parent's home which had to be modified to accomodate my electric wheelchair. Severelly disabled and only 15 years old was a new challenge for my family. They pulled together and treated me like a disabled child, which was good for a short time but would limit development if prolonged. I spent time alone, trying to do things myself, experimenting with others in the disabled community, which helped my transition. I met a couple of active guys going through the same injury who gave me great hope.

Summer vacation was ending soon and I decided to return to public high school. Changes transpired at school, like accessible restrooms and curb cuts, as I was the first wheelchair person attending. I received the teacher's scholarship and had a girl friend when I graduated. We were good friends and got married after school, in hindsite a little to early. After 5 growing years and some mixed thoughts we agreed to end our marriage still friends. During our time together I completed 3 years of college and receiving an AA degree. She encourged me to be more independent by doing things and she gave me the confidence I needed to learn how to drive.

After graduating college, I started a part-time job working for the Federal Government and, after much effort, I was able to drive a modified van. During the next 16 years of employment, I received five "Sustained Superior Performance Awards" on my way to a sixth one, a "Disabled Employee of the Year" and Regional "Firm but Fair" Award. My confidence and independence was increasing making my life full and somewhat "normal". My younger sister learned at an early age to be my caregiver while helping me through school. We had a good relationship and she, her husband and kids all lived with me in my house.

Our retired parents were living fairly close, near San Deigo and Riverside Counties, California until they decided to relocate and move to a small town in Arkansas. They moved into a wonderful log home in Baxter County. Mom and Dad moving so far away was a big change and made us kids anxious to visit them. After unpacking from their move my sister called and decided to fly there. When she returned from the trip she thought it might be better raising her kids in a small town. She convinced her husband to go visit and they decided to move near my parents' home. My employer was unable to relocate me near my sister and parents, so I decided to live where I was in California.

The first difficulty was hiring good help on the small amount I could afford to pay them. For a couple of years I remained in California, until my strength deteriorated to a point that it was dangerous for me to drive. Transportation now became a major problem. It was hard to do my errands and shopping, getting to and from the office, riding the bus. I was spending 12 hours a day including commute time, working. After a few months riding the bus, I caught pnemonia and found myself in the hospital for 3 weeks. There was no other commute options available at the time. I was close but unable to convince the State Department of Rehabilitation to purchase a modified passenger van to enable me to car pool. I had to act quickly and re-evaluate my remaining options.

It was time to make the big decision: work and continue riding the bus or retire on disability. I would need to find another way to earn a living. My dad came to California while I was still in the hospital to help. While he was with me I decided to move to Arkansas to live with my parents and take my disability retirement.

When I arrived in Arkansas, I was still ill but soon recovered and fell in love with the nature all around us. We have wild deer, turkey and squirrels in the yard. The weather is more intense: thunder, wind and rain storms are much stronger and different then in California. Neighbors houses are spread out with large lots. The city is a longer distance away from home. The surrounding area includes two large lakes and rivers to fish in and our hills have game to hunt if you so desire. It was a big lifestyle change for me.

After awhile, I started exploring my options and how I might be productive in this new community. Remembering to slow down because of my health, I tried drawing. Starting with pen and ink sketchs, I graduated to painting them. After a few attempts on my own, I joined the Area Art Club. We meet once a week to paint or attend classes or workshops. Sketches turned into watercolors and then I found "The Association of Mouth and Foot Painters" on the Internet. After a review of my paintings and breif biography, the Association granted me a monthly stipend to pursue my artistic talent. That's how I started painting and created a new and different career goal.

My hobbies include fishing, boating, sun tanning, as well as a fascination for computers and the Internet. This website is an offspring of a course I completed, "Web Design for Beginners" and will continue to be updated. I pride myself to remain active and involved in the community, positively affecting the lives of others. My younger sister is a Licensed Practical Nurse and lives nearby.

I'm single and available, really not seeking, but hopeful of finding my solemate. An independent female that likes the country and a slower lifestyle. That's enough about me, I hope you enjoy your visit of my website.

Thanks for reading and getting to know a little about me, the artist, and where I should be going with my painting.

Best Wishes,

Dana M. Wolf

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