Spinal Research Ambassador
My name is Helen Fincham I live in South Wales.
Before my life flipped upside down, I was a healthy, independent young girl enjoying life with no idea what was around the corner. At 21, I became a tetraplegic at C5-6. I became paralysed because of a rare autoimmune disease that got confused and attacked my own body, thinking there was a virus. This condition is called transverse myelitis. This was an elimination diagnosis, as it’s still not understood why it happened. I had no accident, illness/virus, injury, or any indicators to encounter this unlikely scenario to happen.
There was inflammation on the spine, and it attacks nerve signals by damaging the myelin and damaging the nerves. I spent 14 months in total, first in a general and then a rehabilitation hospital in Wales. I could not move my arms fully, they were very weak, and I didn’t have much movement in my hands so I couldn’t take care of myself. I rely on carers for everyday tasks.
I’ve always had an interest in the work Spinal Research is doing, and share their information on my social media and to groups. I’ve supported in any way I can and will say yes to anything to help out. I’ve sat on a SCI panel with Spinal Research alongside researchers from all over the world. It’s important the conversation happens between both sides, to support the organisation, and share so we can keep going, growing and giving back.
Instagram – @helenfincham
