BRIDE-TO-BE’S LIFE TAKES AN UNEXPECTED TURN AFTER GIRL PUSHES HER INTO THE SWIMMING POOL AT HER BACHELORETTE
Rachelle Friedman hardly had two weeks left before the big day. Therefore, she was living her pre-wedding days to the fullest. Most of her days were spent along with her fiancé, Chris in making arrangements for the big day. To take a day off from all the hassles of the wedding planning, to have a lavish bachelorette party seemed like the best idea to her. Of course, she was excited for the epic pool party and the girls’ night out but she remained completely unaware of the life-changing tragedy that was about to change her life forever.
Who Is Rachelle?
Rachelle Friedman was born in October 1985 in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. Her family moved to Virginia Beach when she was a couple of years old. Rachelle was a bright student as teachers had no complaints about her. She was always cheerful who loved hanging out with friends and shopping – especially footwear.
After School
Here in Virginia Beach, Rachelle lived her childhood days learning to dance and participating in all types of extracurricular activities in Cape Henry Collegiate prep school, Virginia Beach. After graduating from Cape Henry with good grades, she had an abundance of options to choose from.
A Love Story Begins
Rachelle got admission in the East Carolina University and she started her college life with full enthusiasm. She was meeting so many people with various backgrounds and stories. As social as she was, it didn’t take much time to make friends. Apart from the new people, Rachelle found many of her schoolmates also in the same college.
Chris Chapman
Among so many new-old friends, there was a guy named Chris Chapman who made a special place in Rachelle’s heart as well as her life. The guy was three years senior yet Rachelle didn’t hesitate in coming close to him. After all, they felt a strong connection from their very first meeting.
Similar And Dissimilar
Chris and Rachelle had many things in common that brought them together in the first place. However, this friendship grew stronger because of their different likings about many things. They were helping each other to look at different aspects of life. They became good friends in so less time that everyone around them misunderstood them for being a couple.
The Relationship
People’s perception of them being in a relationship never bothered Rachelle and Chris.They both remained friends for quite a long time. After some time they started to have a new kind of feelings about each other. With this, their friendship took a new step, it was the beginning of love. Although both of them were less than 25 of age, they felt like this was it.
Moving In Together
After completing their graduation, Rachelle and Chris introduced each other with their families and eventually moved in together. They started their career into different fields and lived for many peaceful years. After spending long hours at work, they used to find their comfort in each other’s company.
Different Careers
Chris chose a career in the education field while Rachelle did public relations work and engaged in community outreach programs, especially with retired citizens. Their diverse roles in demanding jobs were never able to bring any distances between the two of them. But the test of time was yet to be hard on them.
One Serious Step
In 2009, Chris and Rachelle completed 4 years into their relationship which made them realize that this relationship could last for a lifetime. Their careers started to look all set as Chris was working with a successful organization, and Rachelle was working as a dance and aerobics teacher to elderly people. They were finally feeling like they have reached to a level from where life seemed settled and easy.
Happy Engagement
Finally, when Chris made up his mind about proposing the love of his life, he bought the best ring he found in the store and organized a beautiful candlelight dinner for the two of them. While they were waiting for the dessert to arrive, Chris got down on one knee and proposed Rachelle. Rachelle’s “yes” was instant and it became an emotional moment for them.
Setting Up The Best Party Ever
The newly engaged couple immediately shared the fantastic news with their family and friends. Although it wasn’t expected to happen by everyone, it made everyone overwhelmed to see this two finally making the biggest decision of their lives. It felt like they’ve walked out of some fairytale…
The Bachelorette Party
It was big news and Rachelle’s girlfriends were extremely excited for this day. For a girl like Rachelle, who used to make friends anywhere she went, throwing a large bachelorette party was an obligation. Her close friends were giving her fun ideas to turn this party into an epic one. As everyone was well aware of Rachelle’s love for dancing, a night out in the town was finalized.
The Party Begins
Keeping the vast friend’s circle aside, Rachelle wanted to spend time with her four best girlfriends. Therefore, it was finalized that they’ll have a separate night out together. The girls took a limo that will take them to all the sizzling clubs in Virginia Beach, to celebrate the special occasion. Hours passed by dancing and enjoying…
Heading To Home
After staying out till late hours, the girls decided to head to one of their homes. Their high school days tradition was waiting for them; a dive in the pool. Every time they partied like this, it must end by throwing each other in the pool. Unfortunately, this night was going to be a lot different than the previous times.
The Playful Shove Into The Pool
As it is said, “old habits, die hard.” So, the bunch of drunk girls changed into their bathing suits and hurried to the pool. Throwing each other playfully in the pool was a ritual they could never skip. They didn’t have any clue of how drastically this night was about to end for them.
The Wrong Spot
Like all the times, one of Rachelle’s friend was talking to her while playing in the pool, meanwhile, other friends approached her silently and pushed her in the pool from behind. What everyone didn’t notice was the fact that she was standing on a shallow spot. The floor where she was standing was wet and Rachelle slipped and fell sideways into the pool.
What They Weren’t Expecting
Her head hit the bottom of the pool and she completely sunk in the water. Rachelle didn’t even get time to push herself up. She just felt the pain her head and neck, and in the very moment, she felt her whole body froze. She was hurt badly but what she didn’t know was the fact that this will be the last time she felt her entire body.
Stiffened
She was trying but it seemed like her body was out of her control. She was running out of breath and her body’s weight made it impossible for her to get on the surface of the pool. Rachelle was confused about what was happening to her. That’s what everyone wanted to know… Why couldn’t she swim?
The Terrible Truth
Those seconds felt like ages, and Rachelle finally floated upwards with all the strength she had left. When her face came out of the water, she shouted just one thing, “Call 911!” Water was still floating off her face when two of her friends jumped in the pool for her help.
Everyone Clueless
All of Rachelle’s friends were stunned too. They weren’t even able to realize that the situation can become this serious that they have to call 911! One of her ran inside to make the call while the rest brought her out on the side of the pool. It was at this moment, that Rachelle realized the most horrible truth.
Outside The Pool
While Rachelle was the lying on the poolside, she saw her feet were still in the water. She was shocked to know that she could see the water but couldn’t feel it. Her body was cold and but she couldn’t feel her feet. And immediately it struck her, that she was paralyzed.
Everyone Panicked
Rachelle wasn’t able to feel anything below her collarbones but she was able to speak and breath properly. She could see that her friends were holding her hands and they wrapped her in a towel but she couldn’t feel any of it. Everyone saw that Rachelle wasn’t able to move her body at all. And it panicked everyone present at the spot.
The Ambulance Arrived
The crew of EMTs reached on the poolside within 20 minutes. On checking Rachelle’s condition, they picked her up and put her in a gurney to head to the hospital. Rachelle was terrified by all the negativity she was feeling around her.
Demanding Truth From The EMT
Rachelle couldn’t hold it inside anymore and she asked one of the EMTs– “Have you ever seen anyone walk away from an injury like this?” The EMT paused for a moment and said: “In 30 years, only one.” She was trying to keep herself positive at that moment and replied: “Maybe I’ll be the second.”
Waiting For The CAT Results
Right after the ambulance reached the hospital, Rachelle was taken to a CAT scan. They made her rest in a room where she was waiting for the results. Her friends informed her parents and Chris’ mother but they weren’t able to reach to Chris. He wasn’t in the town and his number was out of service.
A Camping Trip
That weekend, Chris and his father were in a remote forest area to camp on the lakeside and spend some peaceful time. Rachelle’s parents, Chris’ mom, and Rachelle’s friends spent a sleepless night waiting in the corridor outside. As time passed by they all prayed for Rachelle’s health, sadly, it was too late by then.
Official Diagnosis
After a sleepless night, Rachelle was finally informed by a doctor that when her head hit the bottom of the pool, one of the vertebrae got inside her spinal cord. He further said that her damage was irreversible. She will never be able to move anything below her collarbones – legs, hands, back, all virtually defunct.
Tracking Down Chris
Rachelle was miserable but she wasn’t crying. She was a brave girl who knew crying will not help her situation. Her only wish was to talk to Chris. Chris’ mom was trying to get in touch with Chris and his father from various source but failed. Rachelle’s parents finally contacted the forest rangers of the area where the father-son duo was camping.
A Long Search
After searching for them for the whole day, at last, the Rangers were able to find the two of them. Rachelle later recalled: “We have such a strong bond, I knew that the severity of my injuries wouldn’t change his love for me. Still, I was terrified to tell him what happened.” Was her understanding about Chris correct?
The Call
Eventually, the long wait was over and Rachelle was able to call Chris on his phone. Chris already knew something serious was going to come his way and then Rachelle said hesitantly: “the doctors say I won’t ever walk again.”
Chris’ Response
Chris couldn’t speak for the next couple of seconds. He managed to get back to his senses from the utter shock and said in a breaking voice: “I’m on my way.” In the short call, Rachelle felt the security she needed desperately.
First Surgery
Right after hanging up the call with Chris, Rachelle underwent a surgery. The doctors were going to attempt to fuse her vertebrae. The operation was crucial as they could neither let it lead to further deterioration nor the pain in the areas where she could still feel a sensation. The procedure was going to be painful and Rachelle was informed about it beforehand. She was fearless as she felt like there couldn’t be anything worse but better by this painful operation.
Recovering From The Surgery
After the surgery, it took a day for Rachelle to gain her consciousness in the hospital. There was a tube going down her throat and she could hear the ventilator buzzing because it was helping her breathe. Rachelle was afraid and in that state of discomfort, she saw her college sweetheart sitting next to her. Again she could only see him holding her hands but couldn’t feel it. There were thousands of words in her which she wanted to say to him but couldn’t. His presence made her feel at peace.
“I’m A Badass!”
After the surgery, a time-taking recovery process started. The surgery was a success but to what extent, was yet to be discovered. Everyone who knew of this accident was concerned for her and her future. Nobody knew if she’ll ever be able to live a normal life or not. To know what was Rachelle thinking one of her friends brought an alphabet board to communicate with her while the tube was down her throat. The first thing she said through this board was: “I’m a badass.”
What Have I Done?
With a strong spirit, Rachelle’s state started to improve faster than expected. The tube and vent were removed and she was able to speak once again. When the people asked her, she said she was feeling much better. All the people were encouraging her but the one who pushed her in the pool on that unfateful night. She didn’t visit her in the hospital for she was deeply sorry. She finally showed up after everyone insisted and Rachelle herself called up her bestie. The first sentence Rachelle said to her was: “I could have done the same thing to you.”
Starting Rehab
Rachelle’s health was improving quickly and 10 days after the surgery, she was moved to a rehab center in North Carolina which specializes in spinal injuries. The patients who are willing to fight back with their paralysis wish to be transferred here. After a few weeks of her accident, Rachelle wasn’t moving at all. Her muscles had atrophied, and her target was to strengthen the muscles that were still in her control – in her neck, shoulders and upper arms – strong enough.
Relearning Skills
During her time in rehab, Rachelle was learning to complete easy chores without using her hands. She felt like she started it all right from the basics; the things she learned during her childhood. She was taught to brush her teeth and hair, wash her face or operate a wheelchair. And it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. She took a long time but finally learned to use the items paralyzed people were using.
Closer Than Ever
During this struggle, Chris was there for her all the time. He felt like she was her hero and her dedication and strong spirit inspired him. Rachelle stayed in rehab for 10 weeks and Chris made sure to change their house to help Rachelle find comfort. He replaced the tiles with wood floors as it will be fitting for the wheelchair, also, he moved their bedroom downstairs.
Tackling The Challenge – Together
Chris and Rachelle adapted a new routine. Chris was working at the local middle school seven days a week. Behind him, Rachelle’s mother made sure to stay with her. Rachelle actively joined the outpatient physical therapy, to learn to type with her thumb. You won’t believe that she even joined a wheelchair rugby team!
Married After All
These tough times brought Chris and Rachelle closer. As Rachelle was getting more independent, they eventually started to get a hold on paying off the medical bills. After they received a significant amount of payment from the insurance company, the couple chose to get married.
A Perfect Wedding
Both Rachelle and Chris decided that they will not compromise with their happiness because of one accident. Everything took place exactly as they planned in their wedding before. Her father walked her down the aisle and the magical moment of vows was here. Chris and Rachelle Chapman made it happen.
Deciding To Have A Child
Chris and Rachelle Chapman were the happiest together. Her boss at the NGO also assured that her job is reserved for her and she can rejoin whenever she feels ready. As her new typewriting skills were now perfect enough, Rachelle decided to rejoin. After some time of togetherness, Rachelle and Chris took another big decision of having a baby.
The Surrogacy Process
The process took months but eventually, in 2015 Chris and Rachelle Chapman saved enough to go further with the surrogacy process. They got in contact with a surrogacy agency and found a surrogate mother for their baby. The good news arrived quickly as the surrogate was pregnant with their baby.
Kaylee Is Born
They named their baby girl Kaylee. Rachelle remembered in an interview: “Chris and I together as a team are more than capable of taking care of a baby, especially with the help of my mother, who was all in from the beginning.”
The Story Of Their Lives
In 2015, Rachelle Chapman wrote a book about her experience and what an unexpected journey it has been. Her book titled: “The Promise: A Tragic Accident, a Paralyzed Bride, and the Power of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship” was a New York Times Bestseller.
The Old Friendship Dies Out
Rachelle once talked about the friend who pushed her in the pool in an interview: “In the beginning, she was there for me and I was there for her. She was distraught and depressed about what happened. But as the years passed, she didn’t make the effort, it was just going through the motions and every time we spoke.”
The Fractured Friendship
Rachelle was separated from her friend. Although the two of them don’t talk anymore, Rachelle neither revealed that friend’s name nor she held her responsible for what happened. She is not holding any grudges for her as she is still being a loyal friend.
Kaylee Learns To Stand Up
Rachelle Chapman enjoys every moment with her family. Watching her daughter grow up is a heavenly feeling for her. Kaylee loves to play with her mother’s wheelchair from the very beginning. And when her daughter walked for the first time, Kylee couldn’t hold back her tears.
Learning How To Drive Again
Rachelle wants to give Kaylee the best life. She did her research and found out that there are specially adapted vans – manufactured for quadriplegics. Rachelle learned to drive again. It took a long time and a lot of lessons and tests before Rachelle was qualified to drive again. Nowadays, she drops and picks up her daughter from school daily.
In Her Own Words
The book’s success was proof that people admired Rachelle for her never-dying spirit. Later on, a documentary was filmed in collaboration with TLC’s show Rattled. These days, Rachelle is a successful blogger. She posts videos of makeup tutorials that are helpful for paralyzed women.
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