7 Questions with RHF Ambassador Teri Thorson
"I believe no matter what life throws your way, you can live your dreams. Even though I had a devastating car accident that left me a quadriplegic at age 24, through hard work and determination I have achieved more than I ever thought was possible. I want to share my story and inspire you to be the best you can be."
Teri Thorson is a wheelchair athlete, mom, motivational speaker and clothing designer.
"I believe people in wheelchairs should be able to dress well and feel comfortable. So I've designed a new line of clothing called Normal? Fashions that's funky and functional, specifically for people in wheelchairs," Teri says.
After her injury and 11 months of rehab, Terry continued her job as manager of a technical team of a software company. In 2001, she left her job in software to do event planning and public relations for a non-profit organization. While there, she was introduced to many different sports.
In 2003 she moved to Australia to train full-time in wheelchair racing and, one year later, moved back to B.C. for coaching and mentor support. In 2004 she participated in the Athens Paralympic Games.
Today she enjoys being a mom and is also a volunteer with the Rick Hansen Foundation, BC Wheelchair Sports Association and Spinal Cord Injury BC.
1. Describe yourself in a few words.
Mother, designer, athlete, passionate guiding light.
2. What are you most passionate about?
Being a mother, helping women after trauma feel beautiful, sexy and feminine.
3. If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?
I could go anywhere without having to worry about physical or attitudinal barriers.
4. What is your favourite quote?
"If you have a dream, and the courage to try, anything is possible."
5. Describe a challenge you have overcome?
Learning about interdependence. i have fought for many years to be as independent as possible without needing anyone, always feeling like I had to prove myself to others. When I learned that we all need each other I allowed people to help me when offered, even when I didn't need it and that has helped me learn interdependence and to be open to accepting offers of assistance without feeling like a burden.
6. If you could remove one barrier what would it be?
That people would see me as a woman, not a person in a wheelchair.
7. What are you most grateful for?
My son! And in a close second my family and friends.
Teri Thorson is a wheelchair athlete, mom, motivational speaker and clothing designer.
"I believe people in wheelchairs should be able to dress well and feel comfortable. So I've designed a new line of clothing called Normal? Fashions that's funky and functional, specifically for people in wheelchairs," Teri says.
After her injury and 11 months of rehab, Terry continued her job as manager of a technical team of a software company. In 2001, she left her job in software to do event planning and public relations for a non-profit organization. While there, she was introduced to many different sports.
In 2003 she moved to Australia to train full-time in wheelchair racing and, one year later, moved back to B.C. for coaching and mentor support. In 2004 she participated in the Athens Paralympic Games.
Today she enjoys being a mom and is also a volunteer with the Rick Hansen Foundation, BC Wheelchair Sports Association and Spinal Cord Injury BC.
1. Describe yourself in a few words.
Mother, designer, athlete, passionate guiding light.
2. What are you most passionate about?
Being a mother, helping women after trauma feel beautiful, sexy and feminine.
3. If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?
I could go anywhere without having to worry about physical or attitudinal barriers.
4. What is your favourite quote?
"If you have a dream, and the courage to try, anything is possible."
5. Describe a challenge you have overcome?
Learning about interdependence. i have fought for many years to be as independent as possible without needing anyone, always feeling like I had to prove myself to others. When I learned that we all need each other I allowed people to help me when offered, even when I didn't need it and that has helped me learn interdependence and to be open to accepting offers of assistance without feeling like a burden.
6. If you could remove one barrier what would it be?
That people would see me as a woman, not a person in a wheelchair.
7. What are you most grateful for?
My son! And in a close second my family and friends.
