Peter (Toronto, ON)

By Peter Athanasopoulos

I still remember that day – August 12, 1995. I was only 17 years old and my entire life changed. On a family vacation in Greece, I dove off a cliff. I had done it before – many times – but this time the tide had receded.

My name is Peter Athanasopoulos. I have had quadriplegia for 13 years. Although my life would be completely different if I had not sustained a spinal cord injury, I am proud of who I am, and of what I have contributed to my community. My injury has taught me how to appreciate life, how to overcome barriers by fighting for my values, and the importance of community participation.

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario reached out to me during my recovery at a rehabilitation centre. I was feeling scared, useless and a burden to my family and society. The organization’s assistance and services were immensely important to me because they gave me hope and helped me find my way. I learned to be confident again, and plan around my abilities and ambitions.

I now work for CPA Ontario because I believe in the work they do. I’ve witnessed people’s eyes light up when they realize they are not alone and that they, too, will regain their self-confidence and independence.

A spinal cord injury can happen to anyone in an instant. There is approximately one spinal cord injury a day in Ontario. 84% of injuries happen to people under the age of 34. Prior to 1945, only 10% of people who experienced a spinal cord injury were expected to survive beyond one year. 63 years after the founding of the Canadian Paraplegic Association the survival rate of an individual who sustains an injury is 85-90%.

Please consider the barriers people with spinal cord injuries face in your community and know that your actions do count. There’s not a lot of difference between you and me. Things can change in an instant.