In September 2014, Jenna Fitzgerald’s life changed forever after a tragic accident at a friend’s wedding in Nerja, Spain. While celebrating during the afterparty, the Sligo native dived headfirst into a swimming pool without realizing how shallow it was. That single moment shattered her C5 vertebra, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. What followed was a journey marked by unimaginable physical, emotional, and mental challenges. However, Jenna’s story is not just one of tragedy, but also of resilience, hope, and her determination to build a new life despite overwhelming odds.

The Accident That Changed Everything

Jenna recalls the fateful dive vividly, saying, “I still remember the smash as I hit the pool. I couldn’t move and started swallowing water.” Jenna was conscious but immobilized, relying on a friend to pull her out of the water. Rushed to a hospital in Spain, she underwent emergency surgeries to stabilize her spine, with titanium plates and screws inserted to secure the damaged vertebrae. Doctors performed a tracheostomy and placed Jenna on a ventilator to help her breathe. Despite these medical interventions, Jenna was left paralyzed from the chest down, with no hope of ever walking again.

Relearning the Basics

Upon her return to Ireland, Jenna faced an even bigger battle: the challenge of relearning basic functions like talking, eating, and breathing. She was admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dublin, where she spent months in grueling rehabilitation sessions. Discharged in May 2015, Jenna’s home had to undergo significant adaptations to accommodate her wheelchair and new physical limitations. Additionally, she required help from carers to manage everyday tasks, such as managing neurogenic bowel and bladder issues.

“Nothing was easy after leaving the hospital,” Jenna shared, reflecting on the obstacles she faced once back home in her small coastal village in Sligo. “At the time, the support and infrastructure weren’t there. Accessibility was a constant issue, and I felt imprisoned in my own body.”

Battling Depression and Finding Hope

The psychological toll of her injury soon began to weigh heavily on Jenna. In July 2017, feeling trapped and hopeless, she attempted to take her own life. Waking up in intensive care after the suicide attempt marked a turning point in her recovery. Jenna realized that despite her physical limitations, she had been given a second chance at life. “I woke up and promised myself I would make the most of my situation. It was sink or swim, and I chose to swim.”

Jenna credits the support of her family, friends, and mental health professionals for helping her navigate this dark period. However, she found that many counsellors couldn’t fully grasp the extent of her struggles. “The mental health support I received was good, but my counsellors didn’t quite get it because they hadn’t been through anything like what I experienced,” Jenna explained. This realization prompted her to enroll in a degree program in English and Psychology at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo. She now aims to become a psychologist, using her own experiences to help others dealing with trauma and depression.

A Life Transformed

Today, Jenna leads a more fulfilled life. While she will never walk again, she has embraced a “new normal” that includes finding ways to stay active and healthy. She enjoys boxing, weights, and hand biking, and recently completed a ride along the scenic Greenway with friends. “There’s not much I can’t do; it just takes a little planning,” Jenna says.

Jenna’s story also gained national attention when she appeared on RTÉ’s First Dates in 2020, seeking to find love and reclaim a part of her life that had been on hold since her accident. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I’ve been single for six years, and I feel like I’m only now coming to terms with who I am. It’s time to put myself out there again.”

Sharing Her Story to Inspire Others

Jenna is determined to share her journey to inspire others facing life-changing challenges. “I hit rock bottom, but now I want to help others because I don’t want anyone else to feel like that.” She regularly speaks at schools, participates in radio programs, and advocates for people with spinal injuries, encouraging compassion and awareness. Her golden retriever, Cooper, has become an essential companion, serving as a service dog trained to assist her with daily tasks.

As Jenna approaches the 10th anniversary of her life-changing accident, she is one year away from completing her degree and is filled with a renewed sense of purpose. “I don’t aim to be a disabled counsellor specifically for disabled people. I want to show that anyone can pick themselves up after hitting rock bottom. Once you reach the point where you realize you need help, you can find yourself again.”

A Message of Resilience

Jenna Fitzgerald’s story is one of immense courage and resilience. Despite the tragedy that left her paralyzed, she continues to prove that life, even after the darkest moments, can get better. Jenna’s message is simple but powerful: “Anyone can become disabled, but it’s about finding yourself again and embracing the new you.”

Her inspiring journey is a reminder that while we may not control the circumstances life throws at us, we can control how we choose to respond.

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