Life Rolls On: Dr. Suzy Kim

Athleticism, competitiveness and excellence - these were among the many attributes that Suzy Kim exhibited as a young, highly energetic triathlete and third-year medical student at the University of Southern California. One could have easily developed the notion that Kim was invincible and on the fast track to success. However, a horrible bodysurfing accident in Laguna Beach in 1997 suddenly disrupted her active lifestyle, resulting in a spinal cord injury (SCI).

After the accident, the time that Kim would have ordinarily spent striking a balance between her studies and sports was instead consumed by lengthy rehabilitative therapy sessions and ultimately learning how to navigate her way around in a wheelchair. Suddenly Kim, who was once the epitome of good health, had become a person with a disability. She also suffered a number of other personal hardships, including the death of her mother a mere two months after her accident, a host of financial problems and the onset of scoliosis, brought on by the use of a borrowed wheelchair that was not the correct size for her body.

Although Kim's disability and other hardships slowed her down for a time, they did not permanently break her spirit.

"There was a student before at USC, Marianne Grew-Sinclair, who did all four years in a wheelchair, and she paved the way for me," Kim told a reporter for the HSC Weekly a few months after her accident. "I really believe I'll be walking and running and all the things I did before. In the meantime, my brain's still working so there's no reason not to come back and finish my degree."

And finish she did. Ten months after developing a SCI, Kim returned to medical school in a wheelchair to complete her program. Today she is Dr. Suzy Kim, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation and SCI medicine. Dr. Kim is also a valuable part of UC Irvine's Reeve-Irvine Research Center, serving as an assistant clinical professor and director of education and scientific liaison. She also serves on the Medical and Research Advisory Committee for the Life Rolls on Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that raises money for research on finding a cure for SCI and provides motivational writings and activities for individuals living with a SCI.

Coincidentally, one of the more popular activities that Life Rolls On has developed is called "They Will Surf Again" (TWSA). Thanks to several sponsors who believed in the cause, TWSA is offered free of charge to injured athletes who wish to enjoy a day of surfing and fun. With the aid of several volunteers, lifeguards and other highly trained individuals, this event offers a safe and exhilarating outing for surfers at all levels, from beginner to advanced. For the current TWSA program schedule, visit the Life Rolls On Foundation's Web site.

Dr. Kim's inspiring story offers hope to all persons living with a disability. She is living proof that a spinal cord injury does not spell the end of life. It may alter the nature and scope of one's journey, but it does not have to change one's destiny.

Sources:

Guttman, Monika (1998). Devastating accident hasn't derailed student's plans for medical school. HSC Weekly. Vol 4, No. 16.