This testimonial reflects the experience and outcome of this patient. Actual results will vary.

"I refuse to be defined by my disability.”- Shanta

Shanta , a former director of care at an assisted living facility, faced a dramatic life-changing incident in July 2018 when she tripped and broke her neck. “I thought it was minor, and asked my staff to help me up, but they said no, and wisely called 911.”

After a seven-day hospital stay, Shanta was sent to a nursing home, and then transferred to DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM). But she was quickly sent to DMC Harper University Hospital where surgeons fused her neck and repaired her Achilles tendon. Doctors gave her a 95% chance that she wouldn’t walk again. She then returned to RIM to recover from her surgery and get as much mobility back as she could.

Refusing to accept defeat, Shanta thrived at RIM. She says it was like a breath of fresh air compared to other hospitals, always looking for ways to help her improve. “The mental counseling at RIM was transformative. I was struggling and they taught me I was still Shanta' and had so much life to live,” she says.

Embracing that mentality, Shanta got married in 2022 and asked her therapists to help her dance at her wedding. “They showed my husband and me how I could bear weight for 2 minutes and 15 seconds, a special moment that brought our family and friends to tears!” She also won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2024 and first runner-up for Ms. Wheelchair America 2025, and serves as an advocacy coordinator on the board of United Spinal Association of Michigan.

Shanta encourages others to go to RIM where they show survivors that “broken crayons still color.” She says their innovative care showcases that even in adversity, one can rise, dance, and embrace a beautiful future!

"I refuse to be defined by my disability. I choose to live intentionally, turning adversities into advocacy and purposeful actions."