Watch: ‘You can’t feel sorry for yourself’ says inspirational teen

• Kelowna teen paralyzed from chest down
• Community rallied to help family with modifications
• Online fundraiser set up to provide special vehicle

Ainsley Wood was playing with her friends almost two years ago when she fell out of a tree at the park.

She immediately knew something was wrong when she couldn’t move.

The fall resulted in a C-5 spinal cord injury, paralyzing her from the chest down and also limiting mobility in her arms.

Despite this life altering event, she hasn’t let it stop her from having high aspirations.

“I think my secret to staying so positive is remembering what you’re fighting for,” Wood told Kelowna10.

“I want to go to university. I want to be able to be healthy, and by doing that, you need to put in a lot of effort and a lot of hard work … you can’t get there by feeling sorry for yourself.”

Following the injury, her family moved into a new house capable of accommodating her needs. The home was modified with ramps, an elevator, and other changes.

At school, Wood uses adaptive technology and computers to do the same work as her classmates.

While some costs associated with her injury were covered by the government, much of the financial responsibility fell on Wood’s family for things like the home, wheelchairs, and modifying the family vehicle.

Fundraisers organized by the community and friends have helped offset the costs since her injury.

Like many soon-to-be 16-year-olds, Wood is looking forward to learning how to drive. Unlike other teens, the process is longer and the bill, heftier.

To make that a reality, the family is in touch with teams at GF Strong in Vancouver. It offers specialized driver training and looks at what modifications a vehicle may need for someone with limited mobility to operate it.

“It definitely takes a lot of learning, but I’m pretty good at adapting and making sure I can do whatever I want with my life,” she said. “Even with an injury.”

Because the family is looking at a $120,000 bill to help her gain some independence, a relative set up an online fundraiser and is asking the community to help out this inspirational teenager.

After getting her license, Wood hopes it will open up more opportunities, like getting a job. Ainsley, being a typical teen, is also eager to visit friends and socialize.

Beyond that, Wood aspires to study psychology or law in university to give back and help others.

“A lot of bad things happen, and you can’t dismiss that,” Wood said. “But you have to remember that life goes on.”