1211. Community Spotlight - Kim Harrison

In this episode of "Ask the Expert, Community Spotlight Edition,"
Lydia Dubose of SRNA spoke with Kim Harrison about her journey
with transverse myelitis (TM), adaptive sports, and challenges
she has faced since her diagnosis [00:01:25]. Kim highlighted the
importance of community support systems in her life [00:11:38].
She discussed managing symptoms, navigating social situations,
and raising awareness for rare neuroimmune disorders [00:17:39].
Finally, Kim shared her inspiring story of completing the
500-mile Camino de Santiago in her adaptive wheelchair,
demonstrating resilience and determination [00:23:49].





Originally from Atlanta, GA, Kim Harrison currently resides in
St. Augustine, FL. She contracted transverse myelitis (TM) in
2004 while on a business trip to Dallas, TX. In 2012, she
partitioned her State Senator, Donzella James, to declare
February 15th as Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day. She is on the
mayor’s accessibility committee, a United Spinal Association
North Florida Chapter Advocacy Representative, a Christopher and
Dana Reeve Peer Mentor, and a volunteer at Brooks Rehabilitation
Hospital.





Kim organized a Walk-Run-N-Roll and has been a support group
leader with SRNA. She has been on the Braves Stadium ADA advisory
board, has participated in ROCH Roll on Capitol Hill with United
Spinal Association, and has advocated for wheelchair users’
rights for activity based physical therapy with Warrior Momz. Kim
is the adaptive athlete who rolled the 500-mile Camino de
Santiago in Spain with her adaptive GRIT Freedom wheelchair. She
is 65 and lives in an aged community with her husband of 38
years, Brian.





You can learn more about the organization I'll Push You and Kim's
journey on the Camino de Santiago here:


https://www.accessiblecamino.com/


https://www.facebook.com/groups/1051370995944241/