LI FE O N WHE E LS
POWER MOBILITY: THE KEY TO MY SUCCESSFUL CHILDHOOD Written by: JENNY SIEGLE, BA
I cannot remember a time in my life I did not use a wheelchair for my daily mobility. I was paralyzed at 9 months old from a rare virus, transverse myelitis. It was the first time I was ever sick as a baby. I had the flu, and my mom took me to my pediatrician’s office that morning. By that afternoon, I was experiencing spreading paralysis. I spent the next three months in the hospital and was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C4/C5 level. I was originally paralyzed from the neck down and could only move my head from side to side (See Figure 1).
THE NEED FOR EARLY MOBILITY I was incredibly blessed to have the medical team that I had, but I was even more blessed to have a family to fight for me when I was too young to fight for myself. We were originally told I would likely never get out of bed. My mom did not accept that fact and was determined to get me whatever I needed to be a happy and productive child. One of the first things she fought for was a power Jenny Seigle wheelchair. Despite being paralyzed, I was an active after she was FIGURE 1 paralyzed and energetic toddler. I can remember my mom with her sister, Shanon saying she couldn’t keep up with me, and I needed to be able to go where I wanted to on my own. In 1984, at 2 years old, I became the first child in the state of Colorado to get a power wheelchair. It was an Everest and Jennings, and I absolutely loved it (See Figures 2 and 3)! It was the first time I could move around independently. It also gave me the opportunity to learn how to play with other kids. My sister and I were close to our cousins, so we would often be together. One of our favorite things to do was hang a sheet on the clothesline, and I would be on one side, and they would lay on their bellies on the other side. I would then drive through the sheet. When they saw me coming, they would run away, and I would try to chase them!
FIGURE 2
Jenny Siegle, 3, in her first power wheelchair, an Everest & Jennings, with her mom, Barb, and sister, Shanon.
IN 1984, AT 2 YEARS OLD, I BECAME THE FIRST CHILD IN THE STATE OF COLORADO TO GET A POWER WHEELCHAIR.
MOBILITY NEEDS MOVE OUTSIDE As I got older, my family and I realized how important it would be for my next power wheelchair to be able to navigate outdoor terrain and have a longer battery life. I was a tomboy growing up, and the majority of my friends were boys. I loved sports as well so, needless to say, I was always on the go! When my friends would be outside
FIGURE 3
Jenny Siegle at 5 years old in her first power wheelchair, an Everest and Jennings.
