GIVING HOPE TO KATIE
How many times have you heard of a near fatal car accident, or witnessed two or more cars crashed on the freeway as you slowly pass by? How many times have you wondered how those involved go on after that, how their lives will be affected? Only sometimes and perhaps even only once will one of these accidents come to your doorstep. You can’t drive by, you can't look away, and your journey will never be the same again. This happened to me approximately six months ago when I heard Katie's story.
In November 2011, Katie headed towards Los Angeles in order to meet with her advisors at the University of Southern California. Unfortunately, she never reached her destination. Instead, a near-fatal car crash left her paralyzed from the chest down. Today, Katie - only 23 years old - is bound to a wheelchair. And while her chances of walking on her own two feet again are slim, she beams with determination and hope. She believes that her positive attitude combined with rigorous physical therapy and rehabilitation will once again allow her to walk.
I was contacted in my capacity as a psychologist as well as an active member of the Iranian-American community to see if there was anything I could do to help this family in this most difficult circumstance. Katie's father was forced to remain in Northern California as Katie, her mother and younger sister moved to Carlsbad in order for Katie to participate in Project Walk. Project Walk provides physical rehabilitation to patients like Katie and has been instrumental on her path to recovery. Unfortunately, Katie and her family are not eligible for any government assistance due to their immigration status. Katie's mother, Zohreh, stays at home with Katie as she cannot be left alone and they cannot afford a nurse. All of Katie's expenses are offset by donations from our generous community members.
When I first met Katie and her family in their small one bedroom apartment I was taken aback by their hospitality and generous nature. Katie came out of her room in her wheelchair which she had just recently gained the strength to move. She was beautiful and eloquent and exuded such potential and life. "How could this be," I wondered, "and what can I do to help this young woman reach her potential and achieve her dreams?" Katie explained how she had been one of five candidates to receive stem cells as part of a clinical trial at Stanford University Hospital. She went on to tell us that the study had been terminated but that she still held on to the hope that the cells may reproduce and ultimately heal her spinal cord.
Katie aspires to speak to young people around the country about the dangers of driving and the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to the laws. Katie is also hoping to go back to college and complete a degree in Biogenetics.
On our way back home, my friends and I were excited and somehow energized. We knew we could help financially but we would need to reach out to more of our friends. Once my dear friend Mariam Khosravani, founder of IAWF, heard of Katie's plight, the wheels were in motion! Mariam reached out to other leaders in our community and the "Support Katie Walk" Committee was formed with an alliance among IAWF, ISCC International Center for Children with Cancer, Planet Beauty, Park Place Dentistry, International Education Center, and Kids' Potential.
In just a few months, Mariam and her committee were able to put together a fundraiser at one of the most elegant locations in Orange County. The goal of the committee was to raise the funds to support Katie and her family for the next six months until their immigration status is established and they are able to apply for government assistance. Mariam and the committee members reached out to friends and family as well as local businesses. Every penny donated was promised to Katie in full.
After a lovely evening with dinner, traditional music and a silent auction, the "Support Katie Walk" fundraiser reached its goal! Katie and her family were present and there are no words to describe their faces as they saw strangers come up to them with love and generosity, giving them encouragement and hope for the future. Thank you to all who helped this event be a success and most of all, thank you for giving hope to Katie.
Dr. Shirin Ansari is the founder of The Center for Learning and Behavioral Solutions in Irvine, California.
