At 41 years old, Lisa Marsh’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident on a Southern California freeway. The impact shattered her T9 vertebra, leaving fragments near her spinal cord and requiring a 12-hour surgery to stabilize her spine with rods and a titanium cage.
Lisa spent nearly three weeks in the hospital and months recovering in a protective brace. At first, she didn’t know whether she would be able to walk or return to her physically demanding job. Slowly, she regained her independence and eventually returned to work.
But Lisa’s recovery became more than simply getting back to where she was before the accident. After a doctor warned her that she was becoming pre-diabetic, she committed to becoming more active. She went on to complete a half marathon, multiple 5Ks and an 8K, obstacle races including a Tough Mudder, and more than seven years of CrossFit and CrossFit competitions. Today, she continues to stay active through cycling, yoga, walking, and other exercise.
More than 20 years after her original surgery, Lisa discovered that the rods in her back had become detached and were pushing outward. She underwent another surgery to remove the rods and screws, returning to work approximately six weeks later.
Through her journey, Lisa has learned the importance of staying active, maintaining a strong support system, and appreciating the ability to move. As a Spinal Champion, she hopes sharing her experience can provide encouragement to others facing spine surgery and remind them of what can be possible on the other side of recovery.