Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Munoz.
Hi Edwin, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In September of 2018, I was in a diving accident at Lake Belton that initially left me paralyzed from the shoulders down. I dove off of a dock where we had jumped many times before. Due to water being released from the dam, the area was 4 feet deep instead of the typical 20ft. I hit my head on a rock, leaving me paralyzed instantly. I somehow remained conscious underwater after initial impact but finally lost consciousness after minutes of waiting to be found underwater. My initial diagnosis was a C5- C7 complete spinal cord injury, meaning my spinal cord was severed at the cervical level. I was initially left with no movement below my shoulders. I spent a total of five months in the hospital and managed to recover far more than the doctors ever thought. With lots of hard work and dedication, I regained function in my arms, sensation throughout my whole body, and managed to take my first steps two years after my accident. With a background in exercise physiology, I now help train other adaptive athletes at the Adaptive Training Foundation and even started my own foundation (Edstrong Foundation) to help pay it forward and accompany those with spinal cord injuries in their journey. The Edstrong Foundation empowers those with paralysis and other neurological disabilities through fitness rehab, travel, and community. In the summer of 2023, I will start my journey across America on my handcycle. I will be the first adaptive athlete and quadriplegic to attempt and hopefully complete 3500 miles from Oregon to Washington, DC. The goal is not only to raise $350,000 but to also bring more accessibility, hope, and community to the spinal cord injury world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been the furthest thing from being a smooth road. The thought of losing function of your body is a fear that is indescribable. There is no way to describe the thought of diving into the lake in the best shape of your life and waking up paralyzed from the shoulders down. Some would even say nightmare material. It is a reality you are forced to accept with a daily battle that is just as mental as it is physical. That being said, with the right mindset and work ethic, there is a beautiful life that you learn to appreciate. With a positive attitude and a support system that supports you in all aspects of life, life can still be lived to the fullest!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in exercise physiology; I now help train other adaptive athletes at the Adaptive Training Foundation and even started my own foundation (Edstrong Foundation) to help pay it forward and accompany those with spinal cord injuries in their journey. The Edstrong Foundation empowers those with paralysis and other neurological disabilities through fitness rehab, travel, and community.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The adaptive industry and community is one that is up and coming in today’s society. There have been major shifts in the inclusion of adaptive athletes in all aspects of sports and recreation. Life, in general, is a lot more accessible as a wheelchair user and very much appreciated as many did not live with that luxury in times before.
Contact Info:
- Website: Edstrong.org
- Instagram: @edwin8munoz (personal) – @edstrong_foundation (nonprofit)
- Facebook: Edwin Munoz (personal) – (nonprofit) Edstrong Foundation
- Other: adaptivetrainingfoundation.org
