Former Paralyzed Patient Overcomes Injuries

Alivia Coleman, a Houston Community College contract employee, had no idea that long after a tragic car accident six years ago, her path would once again cross with the individuals who helped her recover at Quentin Mease Community Hospital, part of Harris County Hospital District.

"When I ran into the staff from Quentin Mease, I was so thrilled to see them. I invited them to participate in Houston Community College’s Ability Day, which gives people with disabilities a chance to showcase their abilities through music and sports," Coleman said.

When she arrived at Quentin Mease on Christmas Eve six years ago, Coleman had no medical coverage and doctors diagnosed her as a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. Through extensive rehabilitation, Coleman today walks independently without a crutch or walker.

Coleman credits the hospital’s staff with giving her enormous encouragement and inspiration.

"Without those dedicated physical therapists at Quentin Mease I don’t know where I would be," said Coleman.

The staff at Quentin Mease was ecstatic to learn that Coleman was walking again.

"Our main goal was to get her up sitting in a wheelchair, strengthen her hands to assist her with standing up, and stabilize her weaker areas. You can image how thrilled we were to see her walking," said Larry Hixon, Quentin Mease’s rehabilitation coordinator.

Following her accident and recovery, Coleman finished school and received her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations/Advertising from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. However, after spending time with other disabled patients, she decided to take her career in another direction.

She recently completed a work assignment in which she taught college-level computer skills to disabled students. Today, she is a contract training advisor at Houston Community College, where she has worked as an instructor, recruiter, and academic advisor. Coleman’s most recent accomplishment was being honored at the YMCA’s annual Achievers Awards Gala, where young minority achievers received recognition for their accomplishments. The award was founded by Quentin Mease to recognize young people in the community.

"It was an honor and I was very proud of the fact that Quentin Mease presented me with this award," said Coleman.

Coleman continues to be actively involved in Texas Adaptive Aquatics, a water sports group for physically challenged individuals, and on Sept. 28 she will marry her longtime boyfriend, Issac Baker Jr.

"When you come out of a storm, you appreciate your life so much more. I look forward to every moment," she said.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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