VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – A playful push at a bachelorette party changed Rachelle Chapman’s life forever. In 2010, just weeks before her wedding, Chapman was paralyzed from the chest down when a friend jokingly pushed her into a pool. The incident made national headlines, but Chapman never publicly named the friend involved.
Immediate Impact and Life-Altering Changes
Since that fateful night 15 years ago, Chapman’s life has undergone significant transformations. She married Chris, her fiancé, a year later than planned. Together, they navigated the challenges of her new reality while also celebrating milestones such as the birth of their daughter, Kaylee, via surrogate in 2015.
Overcoming Adversity
Chapman has become a well-known social media influencer and disability rights advocate. She shares her journey and the misconceptions she faces as a quadriplegic mother. “I’ve always been able to be the mom I wanted to be,” she said, emphasizing her active role in her daughter’s life despite societal stereotypes.
“I was paralyzed from the chest down after hitting my head in the shallow end of the pool.”
Challenges and Resilience
Chapman faced numerous challenges after the accident, including high medical bills and media scrutiny. A company eventually sponsored their wedding and honeymoon, providing a much-needed respite from their financial burdens.
Building a New Community
Despite losing old friendships, Chapman found a new community within the wheelchair rugby team and beyond. Her involvement in adaptive sports like wheelchair rugby and cycling has been a cornerstone of her rehabilitation and social life.
“Chris and I have always had a strong relationship and I couldn’t imagine us not being together forever.”
Health Complications and Future Hopes
Recently, Chapman has faced mysterious health issues as she and Chris attempt to expand their family. Despite stopping hormonal treatments due to severe side effects, she remains hopeful about finding a surrogate.
Medical Challenges
Chapman has experienced intense complications, including severe pain and blood pressure spikes, which remain unexplained. These issues have led to multiple hospital visits without definitive answers.
“I’ve been to the hospital multiple times and sent home without answers.”
Reflecting on Friendship and Support
Chapman reflects on the shifting dynamics of her friendships post-accident. While she initially protected the friend responsible for the incident, the relationship eventually deteriorated, leaving her to mourn those lost connections.
Finding Strength in New Bonds
Today, Chapman finds support and camaraderie in her new social circles, particularly among women from her wheelchair rugby team.
“I’m very fortunate that I’ve found a new community in women from my wheelchair rugby team and beyond.”
Looking Forward
Chapman and her husband Chris continue to maintain a strong marriage, having renewed their vows on their 10-year anniversary. They defy societal expectations, proving that a happy family life is achievable despite physical limitations.
Future Aspirations
Chapman remains optimistic about the future, focusing on the possibility of expanding her family through surrogacy. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of love and community in overcoming life’s challenges.
As Chapman continues her journey, she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, showing that life after injury can still be fulfilling and joyful.