I got hit by a car, true story.
One driver’s single moment of inattention and my life changed forever. I endured an eleven-day stay in ICU, and multiple major surgeries just to stay alive. With a traumatic brain injury, an incomplete spinal cord injury, and many other injuries, I spent months in the spinal cord unit. Completely incapacitated, I learnt to walk again, and to function again and … miraculously, to ride again.
It was an epic journey of pain, loss, and recovery, with many learning experiences:
Do I let this define me, destroy me, or strengthen me?
I learnt the hard way that the difficult things don't get easier, we just get stronger
Breaking
Up
with my
Wheelchair
By Kelly-Anne Kerley
“Too often we hear the news of a traumatic experience, but a week or so later the victims are long forgotten in the business of our lives and the next tragedy is on the news. Kelly-Anne’s story reminds us that these moments in time have long, long consequences. She puts a face to the news stories and challenges us to remember that lives were changed in that instant. Her story of courage and strength is inspiring.”
About The Author
Kelly-Anne Kerley was always destined to be a high achiever. Her relentless drive and desire to excel led her to leave her hometown of Adelaide in her early twenties, setting her sights on a corporate career in Sydney. Through hard work and determination she climbed the ranks, ultimately achieving a senior leadership role with a multinational corporation.
However, it was her love for road cycling that truly reflected her passion for physical and mental fitness. This love became crucial in her life after she endured a serious and traumatic collision with a car. Living with an incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other injuries, Kelly-Anne faced a daunting new reality. Yet, with unwavering resilience and determination she transformed hopelessness into hopefulness, altering her mindset and overcoming the challenges of her injuries.
Now residing in Sydney, Australia, with her partner Adrian, she has embraced her ‘new normal.’ As an avid cyclist once more, Kelly-Anne channels her experiences into a mission to educate, inspire, and empower others. She is passionate about sharing the wisdom she has gained to help people reshape their narratives and hold onto hope in the face of adversity.
“It’s a strong bond between me and my bike.
It’s that intense feeling of total freedom and control. It’s so much more than just cycling, it’s therapeutic.
My legs and bike make sure I go wherever I want to, and my mind fills itself with great new memories.
At times it’s tough, but in the end it’s always worth it.
This is who I am.
I am a cyclist.”