Kerry – Spinal Cord Injury Thriver

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

My name is Kerry, I am 35 years old and I was born and raised in the Bay
Area.

I was in an accident and I sustained a spinal cord injury. I have been a paraplegic and full time
wheelchair user for the past 4 years.Sustaining a traumatic disability is life altering physically, emotionally,
spiritually. Life continues on whether we are ready or not. I have done my best to take my disability in stride. I live fully independently, I work a full time job, I volunteer to support other spinal cord injury survivors. Life is not easy, but I want to make the most of this second chance at life.

What inspired you to be involved in the Underwater Transformation Project?

My friend Garnett completed the project and he recommended it to me. Life is a continual journey of healing and self acceptance, especially after a trauma. This project felt like a great way to continue that journey for myself.

What were your goals for the photo shoot?

I wanted to feel confident in my paralyzed body and feel comfortable in the
water. I am paralyzed in about ⅔ of my body so I had very low expectations for myself, for getting myself underwater, and for how I would look holding my breath.

How was the experience of an underwater portrait session?

It was a hard experience for me. Trying to keep my body underwater and
changing positions was challenging. As a paraplegic, the water can be
scary. I worked through a lot of fear for drowning and not being in full
control of my body.

How was your mood after you finished?

I felt very empowered and strong after I was done. I was able to work
through my fears, I felt powerful in my body. I felt like I released a lot of the
things I was holding onto into the water.

What does WATER mean to you?

Water is powerful to me. It can move mountains over time and yet it ebbs
and flows. It is a reminder that things change constantly.

Do you think this experience could help people with disabilities?

I do think this experience can help other people with disabilities. I would
recommend that they let go, listen to their bodies, and let the water release
whatever they are holding onto.

Would you go back to the water to do a photo shoot again?

I would absolutely go back to do another photo shoot. I learned the
movements and positions I can get my body into. I want to be more
confident in my poses.

How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot?

I was exhausted after the shoot. I slept hard compared to my typical night.

How was Erena working with you?

Erena was very easy to work with. She was there to step in when i needed
help. She offered suggestions when I asked but let me move however I felt
best.

What’s your dream?

I want to inspire fellow SCI survivors to continue to live life, to get into the
community, to know that life isn’t over. Life is what we make it.

Please check out Kerry on Instagram!