CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jesi Stracham is making the most out of the cards life has dealt. The North Carolina woman is now headed to the 2024 Paralympic Games to boost the U.S. team of athletes making their mark in Paris.
But the road to Paris wasn't easy for her.
Stracham was hurt in a motorcycle crash in 2015 that left her paralyzed. She recounted what happened to WCNC Charlotte.
"A woman made a U-turn into the bike I was a passenger on," she said, "and the [motorcycle] driver didn't stop in time. I went over the SUV, broke my back in two places."
The outlook from Stracham's point of view then was admittedly pessimistic.
“I just went through this life-changing accident. I died. I was resuscitated. Nothing matters," she said. "I'm a wheelchair user. I don't have to take care of myself. And I kept falling on the floor.”
But a helping hand from Atrium Health's Carolinas Rehabilitation center gave her the spark she needed.
"This place gave me life back," she said. “I'm tired of struggling, and if I want my reality to change, I'm the only one that can change it."
With Atrium's health, Stracham learned how to navigate her world in a new way. Now, she's giving back to the hospital volunteering with the Trauma Survivor Network and mentors at Carolinas Rehab.
“I get to help newly injured individuals get that same hope. And I think that's one of the most impactful things we can do," she said. "It doesn't matter what you're going through, you are that beacon of light and hope for somebody when you're on the other side of your struggle."
Soon, she'll get a chance to inspire others globally. Stracham is headed to Paris as a content creator for the U.S. Paralympic team, meaning she'll be helping the athletes competing in the 2024 Games share their best moments and messages for fans back at home.
The 2024 Paralympic Games are available to stream on Peacock, with certain events airing on USA and CNBC. Click here for the full schedule.
The Paralympics run from Aug. 28, 2024, through Sept. 8, 2024.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
