Paralyzed woman taught herself to walk again for her own wedding

A terrible swimming accident made Jaquie Goncher unable to move. She was paralyzed from the neck down, but years later she was able to overcome it and walk down the aisle for her wedding on her own legs.

The accident happened when Jaquie visited her friend after work and dove into the pool. She broke her neck and was instantly paralyzed. Her C5 vertebrae was all shattered, C1 and C2 fractured. They tried surgery, but it only brought bad news – Jaquie would never be able to walk again. However, a month later she shocked her surgeon by moving her big toe for the first time.

Planning wedding added motivation to Jaquie’s life and she promised herself to walk down the isle without any help.

She hit physical therapy and worked out at the gym to build up the muscle strength. Luckily, in high school, she was an athlete so she knew what it meant to work out real hard. Even though it was got harder than before.

Jaquie had to pull herself with her legs in a wheelchair around the gym and walked at the slowest pace on a treadmill making sure not to pass out which could happen any minute. She used different tools to pull herself out, and she managed!

The result was amazing. Jaquie was able to keep herself upright for the entire wedding from ceremony to reception. It took about 4.5 hours. She confessed that it was a shock even for her. Jaquie said, “I think I was just too happy to notice if it was difficult or not. All I can remember is having the time of my life!”

The only person who knew it would happen was Jaquie’s husband Andy as he helped her through the process. But for all the other guests it was a huge surprise. Nobody could keep their tears of joy.

However, even Andy was surprised to see Jaquie standing for the entire wedding. Emotions got to the highest when the Gonchers shared their first dance to Ingrid Michelson’s “The Way I Am”.

Jaquie’s mother also hired Maggie Smith Kühn, a live event artist, to paint this unbelievable scene and save it in eternity.

Jaquie had her amazing day, the day the dreamed of. But it was her enormous accomplishment showing us all that if you really want something, you can do it.

Share this story to remind people how strong the power of our wishes can be.

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