My Story

A Story of Human Fortitude

Cindy before the accident

Cindy Howden was a young, vibrant, 28-year-old woman who was happily living her life to the fullest. College educated and recently married, she spent much of her time chasing her love of riding and training thoroughbred horses. She was happily dancing and riding her way through life when the unexpected occurred.

(press play to hear a clip of her singing)

	X-Ray of Repair

February 3, 1988 - Tragedy Struck

Cindy's world took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a riding accident with a thoroughbred, sending her into a terrifying fall that nearly took her life. She broke her jaw and shattered the second cervical vertebra in her neck. She could see, but with double vision because of dysconjugate gaze. She was unable to speak, swallow, or chew. She was paralyzed with the exception of being able to wiggle the big toe in her right foot. She also sustained traumatic brain injury, and brain stem injury. In a coma, and paralyzed from the neck down, her doctors gave this prognosis: "If she survives, she'll be on a ventilator and will never move anything below her neck."

According to one doctor, at the time of her surgery she was noted to have both brain stems with cranial nerve damage, and severe high cervical cord damage. A full recovery was projected as very slim at best. This included walking, speaking, swallowing, vision, and the use of other bodily functions. Cindy sustained a miraculous recovery, but she struggles with residual physical limitations. By the use of equipment, education, training, and sheer will, others perceive her to be leading her current lifestyle with some degree of ease, when in fact it is through a tremendous work ethic and unwavering effort.

A Tale of Courage

Cindy's story has many people believing that miracles really do happen. By God's grace, many hours of consistent exercise, retraining workouts, the support of many dedicated professionals, family and friends, her personal fortitude and unrelenting will to live, Cindy survived. She had to relearn how to talk, eat, swallow, and walk with crutches. She can now walk slowly on her own, and uses a wheelchair or motorized scooter to save energy. When her two best gifts were taken away from her so quickly, and without warning, she found a reason to live, and make the best of the situation presented to her. She has overcome the odds and progressed far beyond the expectations of the medical community

Package Changed, Content the Same

Today Cindy is once again living a very full life. She drives herself to her office, where she specializes in Independent Living, and Counseling for people with disabilities as they work toward employment. She has found a way to put a positive use to her tragic accident. She is committed to helping those who are willing to help themselves. "As long as they are willing to work hard, I'll work just as hard to fight for them to achieve their goals." After a long day at the office, she relaxes by spending time at home working out and playing with her animals.