Paralyzed After Catastrophic Ski Fall

A life-changing ski trip in Vermont resulted in a 26-year-old woman becoming paralyzed. Rebecca Koltun, who had skied on the mountain since childhood, lost control during a trip celebrating the end of her university studies in 2021. Her fall was catastrophic, leading to a broken neck and paralysis from the neck down, rendering her quadriplegic. She was found by a medic, revived after 10 minutes without a pulse, and airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital. Initially unable to breathe or speak on her own, she spent over two weeks in intensive care.

Following her critical care, Rebecca transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Centre, where she underwent nine months of intensive therapy. She received a diaphragmatic pacer, enabling her to breathe independently, and relearned to communicate and operate assistive technology using her mouth and head movements. By December 2021, she was discharged, adapting to a life where she could no longer use her legs, arms, or hands. Her family made extensive home modifications to accommodate her needs.

Over time, Rebecca has found strength and acceptance, pursuing new passions. She has begun painting with her mouth, successfully selling her artwork on Etsy. She also uses dark humor in videos to document her experience and raise awareness about spinal cord injuries. Despite the ongoing challenges, she focuses on adapting to her present reality, supported by her friends and family, and emphasizes that life can still be meaningful after a severe setback.