Paraplegics continue to break down barriers throughout society

March 29, 2016, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Starla Hilliard Barnes was paralyzed in a hit and run accident in 2009, when a pick up truck hit her on her bicycle and sped off without stopping. The driver of the truck was never found. After spending months recovering from her painful incomplete spinal cord injury doctors told her that she had a 50/50 chance of walking again. This event re-shaped her life. She was an athlete and professional model prior to the accident.

Due to nature of her injury and her physical conditioning she was considered as an excellent candidate for a new rehab program that she was to begin in November 2015. Hopes were high that this treatment would allow her to walk again. Unfortunately, the day before the accident she was a passenger in a car when they were rear ended by a distracted driver travelling over 100 km/h. The impact of the crash re-injured Carla. She no longer has any feeling in her legs.

Since then she has gone on to continue to challenge the disabilities she is faced with. According to her Facebook bio she is a mother, mode, actress, and has become a para athlete, business owner, and founder of Moving Forward. She won the Ms. Wheelchair Montana two years ago, and has entered the Mrs. Montana pageant.

She is determined to break down barriers, sand to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. After her accident in which she was paralyzed from the waist down, she went on to get married and have a child. She is a smart and driven woman. She is the first para woman to enter the Mrs. Montana pageant. She spends her time writing and advocating for disabled people, and she speaks to children about adversity.

Ms. Barnes is a shining example of overcoming challenges and succeeding. She has managed to overcome what could only be imagined to be dark days to live her life with joy. You can read about her on her Facebook page and on her own website.

image from Ms. Barnes website

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.