Home / Sports / From Coma to Kilimanjaro: Unstoppable Spirit Soars
From Coma to Kilimanjaro: Unstoppable Spirit Soars
30 Jul
Summary
- Survivor cartwheeled atop Kilimanjaro after a severe brain injury.
- She awoke from a coma with a 3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
- MoCrazy now supports other TBI survivors through a non-profit.
Jamie MoCrazy recently reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest freestanding mountain, performing a celebratory cartwheel. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her recovery from a severe brain injury sustained 11 years prior.
MoCrazy's life took a dramatic turn in April 2015 during a freestyle skiing competition. A crash resulted in her brain bleeding in eight spots and paralyzing the right side of her body. She entered a coma and was given a slim chance of survival, scoring a 3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
After waking from her coma, MoCrazy faced extensive rehabilitation, relearning basic life skills. She was determined not to let her traumatic brain injury (TBI) define her. Inspired by nearby mountains, she began to view her recovery as climbing an 'alternative peak.'
Five years after her injury, MoCrazy envisioned climbing Kilimanjaro. The 5,895-meter peak in Tanzania, while accessible, presents significant challenges due to its length and altitude. MoCrazy prepared rigorously for the trek.
During the eight-day ascent, MoCrazy experienced excellent oxygen levels, with her primary challenge being the descent due to a pre-existing knee injury. Reaching the summit with her mother and a fellow TBI survivor, she felt immense reward, likening the climb's incremental progress to her own recovery.
Through her non-profit, MoCrazy Strong, she now assists other TBI survivors in undertaking similar challenges, empowering them to overcome perceived limitations and realize their capabilities.
