“I Thought I Would Never Play”- Paralyzed after a Horrifying Snow Boarding Incident, Man Finds Hope Again

Published 07/15/2023, 5:48 AM EDT

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The scorching summer heat often makes us yearn for the winter season. With winter, comes the snowfall and the opportunity to play so many adventurous sports. Snowboarding is one such sport we all love. After all, who wouldn’t wanna ride on ice? However, imagine you are having fun and suddenly the snowboarding turns into a life-altering tragedy, leaving you paralyzed chest down.

This is exactly what happened to 38-year-old Travis Daniel, a devoted father of three. His life took an unexpected turn during a snowboarding incident in North Carolina in February 2022. But Travis’s journey toward rediscovery and newfound hope is nothing short of extraordinary.

Shattered dreams and a new beginning

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As Travis lay motionless, contemplating the extent of his injuries, the crushing realization hit him. He may never be able to participate in any sport again. He vividly remembers the fear and despair that consumed him during those initial moments of uncertainty. “I thought I would never play any sport after the accident,” he recalls, his voice filled with both longing and determination.

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In the wake of that life-altering incident, Travis turned to prayer, seeking solace and strength amidst his darkest hours. “After the last year incident, this is something I really prayed a lot about,” Travis shares, highlighting the depth of his emotional struggle.

The weight of his circumstance propelled him forward, igniting a fierce determination to take action. “I needed to do something,” he affirms, recognizing the necessity of actively pursuing a path to recovery.

While Travis embarked on his journey to regain mobility and independence, his family faced an uphill battle with the insurance company. Initially refusing to cover the cost of treatment, their decision threatened to hinder Travis’s progress. However, after a fierce fight, the insurance company reversed its stance, ultimately granting him the lifeline he desperately needed.

Uncertain about what the future held, Travis faced an arduous journey of rehabilitation and adaptation. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, he tapped into his innate competitive spirit, refusing to be defined solely by his paralysis. “I am very competitive,” he states, a glimmer of hope resonating in his voice.

Softball comes to the rescue for Travis

After spending three months at Shepherd Center, Travis turned to wheelchair softball. While learning the sport, Travis recalls that he felt great camaraderie and support from individuals who went through similar tragedies. “It’s nice to meet people who are going through the same thing or have gone through the same thing earlier,” he shared, acknowledging the strength that comes from meeting similar people and sharing your experiences with them.

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Today, Travis has defied the odds and ventured back into the realm of sports. He is now classified as a high-functioning quadriplegic. Traveling across the country, he embraces the opportunity to compete in different tournaments.

Recently, he emerged triumphant in a tournament in North Carolina. His wife and children often accompany him to tournaments. His wife says with delight, “It feels like I have got my husband back now.

In a nutshell, Travis Daniel’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that the human spirit can soar even in the most difficult time. From shattered dreams to rediscovering hope, Travis’s unwavering determination and the unwavering support of his loved ones have paved the way for his remarkable recovery.

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As we reflect on his story, we should remember that our future holds infinite possibilities that we can seize. Are there dreams you have given up on? What inspires you to keep moving forward?

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Written by:

Kumar Rohan

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Kumar Rohan is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Sports Viral Moments. He is a sports journalist with a knack for writing. His sports expertise comes in handy when he breaks down events skilfully, in his own style.
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay