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It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tracy O. — who has gone from competing as a Paralympian at the 2024 Paris summer games to embarking on a new adventure, parenthood.
These joyous milestones come after surviving a domestic violence attack five years ago that left her paralyzed from the chest down.
Having sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and other injuries in the attack, she came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation. Through physical and occupational therapy and by learning to learn how to use a wheelchair, Tracy has been able to regain her independence.
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Following treatment, she discovered the power of adaptive sports and began competing in adaptive archery. She represented Team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games, coming in sixth place in the W1 mixed team and eighth in the individual W1-women’s para archery events.
A Year of Milestones
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This past year was marked by many special moments for Tracy: Getting engaged under the Eiffel Tower to her now fiancé, Rick. Profiled by World Archery. Making the BBC 100 Women 2024 list, in recognition of her advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.
Most recently — after years of working hard to regain her independence — Tracy now has a little one depending on her: her newborn daughter, Rylee.
“This year has been so much fun and full of blessings and experiences I could only dream of,” said Tracy. “I’m trying to remind myself to take things day by day because a lot of change has happened in a really short period of time.”
Motherhood and Spinal Cord Injury
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Adjusting to motherhood is a significant transition for any new parent, but Tracy recognizes that she has additional considerations due to her paralysis.
“Rylee is great! She is so cute I can’t take it. This is all so new so adjusting is hard, especially being a mother with a disability,” said Tracy. “I thought I had so much to learn about living and functioning again, but learning how to live and take care of another human being is just a whole other level.”
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Tracy said the journey into motherhood with an SCI might be different than expected, but it’s important to “love your body through the whole process of pregnancy and recovery.”
“Our bodies go through a drastic change incredibly quickly throughout pregnancy, which is something those with spinal cord injuries are familiar with,” said Tracy. “Whether we like it or not, SCI changes our appearance to a certain degree already, which can be mentally taxing. Having a baby in addition can be overwhelming.”
Tracy recalled one moment in which she was looking at her stretch marks and appreciated how much her body had changed over the last five years.
“I had a flash of grieving for the girl that I once was, but I was flooded with an overwhelming appreciation for what my body has gone through, what it did to give me my beautiful daughter, and the woman I have become,” said Tracy. “I love my body even more now than I did before.”
‘Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Big’
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Tracy finds meaning in small moments others may take for granted, like celebrating her first Valentine’s Day with Rylee.
At the same time, Tracy is rolling through the ups and downs of motherhood, such as trying to establish a successful feeding routine as a “breastfeeding quadmom,” given that she has some challenges with nursing due to the prolonged effects of her previous injuries.
“Everyone’s feeding journey looks a little different, especially for those with physical limitations. Patience is key,” she said.
Tracy offered advice for those who are at the start of their rehabilitation journey: Focus not on what you can’t do, but what you can do.
“Don’t be afraid to dream as big as you can, because it is possible to have life after catastrophe,” said Tracy.
Tracy is dreaming big indeed, as she is already starting her training for the 2028 Summer Paralympic games.
“I’m happy and incredibly grateful that I have the support of my amazing fiancé on this wild ride,” said Tracy.
