Spinal Cord Injury Alberta's video: Spinal Cord Injury Peer Stories with Crystal Manning

My name is Crystal Manning. I have a complete C6 spinal cord injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 1994. I spent almost 8 months at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital before being released. My experience at the Glenrose was excellent, the staff were kind and encouraging as well as challenging. They prepared me to be successful in making the transition to home and were always available if I had any issues. After about 8 years I started to volunteer as a mentor at the Edmonton Institution for Women which is a federal penitentiary. The women who were incarcerated there inspired me with their stories. It encouraged me to go back to school so I could help out in a larger capacity. After 5 1/2 years I graduated with a degree in Health Sciences, specialized in Addictions Counselling from the University of Lethbridge. I was hired by the Edmonton Institution for Women to facilitate their methadone program and do one on one counselling. I’ve learned over the years that anything is possible if I am willing to be open and do the work.