She's passionate about improving the lives of wheelchair users
Jesi Stracham, CHARLOTTE, NC
In 2015, Jesi was a passenger in a motorcycle accident and lost the use of her legs. Becoming a wheelchair user was challenging, to say the least. Jesi reached her breaking point one morning while traveling solo. "I fell on a hotel room floor, and I hit 'record' on my camera," she says. "Then I posted a YouTube video of me having a full meltdown about being paralyzed and how frustrating it is to fall and not be able to pick yourself back up." The video got some viral attention, and when a friend and fellow wheelchair user suggested that Jesi train one-on-one with a CrossFit coach, Jesi said, "Absolutely. I need to get stronger." The training changed her life. She started to see incredible results, like being able to transfer herself into the car without a slide board and get back into her chair on her own. She was so passionate about her newfound strength that she started a Facebook group, Wheel With Me Fitness, to create a space for others to talk about their fitness journeys. Soon Jesi was certified to coach adaptive CrossFit. Then she turned the group into an app, offering adaptive workouts as well as weekly support chats to wheelchair users worldwide. Jesi now views the day of her accident as far from a tragedy and in fact the best day of her life. She knows that sounds shocking, but that day gave her purpose. "Now I'm trying to help people shortcut to the good side of this injury," she says. "Because there's a good side of being a paraplegic, as crazy as that sounds." Wheel With Me Fitness is just the beginning, she adds: "It's so much more than fitness. It's about independence and maintaining that independence for the longevity of our lives."
Her son lives on through a wonderful nonprofit
Teresa Bovia, NEW ORLEANS
This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of Woman's Day US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of Woman's Day US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
new beginnings
Life's biggest twists can lead us where we're meant to be. We've teamed up with Life's About Change (see page 30) to share its most inspiring change-makers.
"My senior dance squad brings it on!"
Susan Avery founded the Pacemakers Dance Team, and it put the pep back in her own step.
Life lessons
As WD's Rabbi in Residence, I'll share some ancient and universal Jewish wisdom that I hope will help everyone lead a more beautiful life.
from the HEART with Candace Cameron Bure
In my column as your Chief Spiritual Officer, I share a meaningful verse that lifts my spirits and guides me in the right direction. I hope it does the same for you!
INSPIRING BFFs
In honor of National Best Friends Day (June 8), we're celebrating these dynamic duos.
from the ᎻᎬᎪᎡᎢ with Candace Cameron Bure
In my column as your Chief Spiritual Officer, I share a meaningful verse that lifts my spirits and guides me in the right direction. I hope it does the same for you!
I'M TURNING 57!
Travel writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is loving the journey and the destinations.
the healing power of nurses
In honor of National Nurses Month, we're singing the praises of these health care heroes.
Life lessons
As WD's Rabbi in Residence, I'll share some ancient and universal Jewish wisdom that I hope will help everyone lead a more beautiful life.
from the HEART with Candace Cameron Bure
In my column as your Chief Spiritual Officer, I share a meaningful verse that lifts my spirits and guides me in the right direction. I hope it does the same for you!