My name is Arash and for all 30 years of my life before this accident occurred, and in the months since, I have led my life with the belief and desire to make the most of every moment and never sit still. As a result, I have never liked to sleep much and feel like if I’m not planning or doing something exciting in my free time, I’m doing myself an injustice. That said, life to me isn’t just a pursuit of hedonism and pleasure and I’ve always worked as hard as I’ve played.
I grew up in four countries as a child but the San Francisco Bay Area is where I’ve always called home. After venturing to Boston for my undergrad and over 5 years working and traveling in Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Africa as an international trip leader for a biking and hiking tour company, I came back to SF to pursue an MBA with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. After grad school I worked for an environmental consulting firm and a solar energy company before the accident happened…
I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember and have always relished physical challenges. I spent most free moments outdoors: playing soccer, hiking, biking, backpacking in the mountains, floating and hanging with friends on a river, and sharing so many incredible moments with amazing people around me. Just 3 days before this debilitating accident, I had completed one of the most memorable and physically satisfying experiences of my life: a 60 mile backpacking trip through the Evolution Valley in the 10,000+ foot mountains of the Eastern Sierras of California with an incredible group of friends, filled with laughter, joy and an appreciation for life. To go from that experience, to then spending seven straight weeks in the hospital was the most dramatic, contrasting experience of my life.
As horrific, awful, and challenging as this accident has been, I am inherently a positive person and am approaching this recovery with the same ambition, perseverance and dedication that I have given to every significant experience in life. I am fortunate to be blessed with the most amazing parents who are doing everything they can to help me, and an outstanding community of friends and extended family who are supporting me through this trying time. This blog is nothing more than a commitment from me to share both the positive and negative aspects of this experience and to keep track of every step of this recovery.
Just days before my accident, hiking the high Sierra mountains of Evolution Valley
This is one of the most complete about pages I have read..and I have read many. This photo is compellingly beautiful and a fitting image to inspire hope.
Hey Arash – thanks for putting this out there. I have been thinking a lot about you with no good way to get a hold of you and tell you that if anyone can perservere – I know YOU can. I am so proud to call you a friend and I wish you all the best. (and Matt says hi too!) – Ashley
Arash, my thoughts and prayers and positive energy for you!
Hi Arash, Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your experience through this blog. I can feel your optimism in between every letter typed and know that you will surprise all of those doctors because of your determination, good health and positive outlook. We are incredibly lucky and thankful you are here to share your story and inspire us. I’m learning a lot from you through this and continue to send excessive amounts of healing energy your way. Lunch again soon now that I’m back in town. Big hug, Melbove
Hey Arash,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve never met you in person, but I’ve heard your name many times over (I’m a former BR leader). I’m sorry to hear about your accident. When I was 16, I fell off of a 42ft cliff and destroyed my foot and ankle. At the time, the doctors didn’t know if they could save my foot, and if they could save it, they didn’t know if the ankle joint would be permanently fused. It’s been almost 20 years since the accident, and I’ve run two marathons, climbed a few mountains, and set foot on all but one continent (not to mention biking a few thousand miles around Europe). I know our injuries are quite different, but I know what it’s like to have your reality shifted so severely. The unknown is the scariest part. It will suck at times. Stay positive. Stay focused. Stay determined. I also found that stubbornness can work wonders. I’ll be sending you positive thoughts and positive energy.
Sincerely,
heather laney
Wow Heather. Great to get your perspective. While I try to remain as positive as possible, you’re right that the unknown really is the scariest part. And yes I’m counting on my stubbornness taking me through this trying time. It’s hard to only be able to rely on my own belief and not on what doctors have told me but if that’s the way it is, then so be it. I hope to meet you in person one day, maybe on a hike or bike ride
Arash – you are an inspiration and it’s a gift to so many people for you to be able to share your story. Tons of positive thoughts & energy for you as you go through your recovery! Thanks for sharing it with us. – Lesley Anderson (Braby)
Hey Arash!
My name is Eric, from Switzerland, we never met each other but i’ve landed on your blog through some acquaintances. Considering what I have read, I’m astonished by your positive attitude, strength and determination that will certainly help you to overcome every difficulties in life. You seem to do what many people can’t do: taking the best of every single moment even if life is sometimes a bitch. You’re an incarnation of will! Keep on going forward, thinking positive!!!
All my thoughts are with you.
Best regards,
Eric
Thanks for the support Eric! I’m happy to connect with you even though we haven’t yet met. I appreciate the positive thoughts and hope to remain in contact. Sending positive thoughts to you in Switzerland. -Arash
Arash,
Thanks for posting your story and thoughts on your blog. You are truly an inspiration. We will be thinking of you.
Love,
Jia Yn and Carley Chen
Arash- im a total ass for taking this long to connect to you so i hope you get a chance to read this note!! I have a very close friend in LA who oddly enough has had a similar injury at C5 from a horrific bike accident last year, and is dealing with very similar issues as yourself. He was also an avid cyclist and a go getter/adventure seeker…none of that has changed in his spirit, but now he and you both have physical obstaces to overcome….hearing of your accident was really upsetting to me and i wish there was a miraculous cure to his paralysis and yours, but i know the reality is it will take time and work….HOWEVER i am SO happy you are keeping this blog. it is inspiring to me, and i am planning to forward it to my friend in LA in the hopes that maybe he can get some perspective and maybe start his own blog. you are on a tough journey…there is no easy answer and no easy road but i am excited to hear of your progress and your strength. just wanted to let you know i was thinking of you and have only good thoughts going your way. i have seen the hard work of many SCI patients so i have wonderful hope for you and will be avidly following your blog! xo, Dara.(your old neighbor on arch st)
Arash,
I just found out about this now through your Facebook post and am deeply saddened to hear what has happened. That being said I know you are an incredibly strong and dedicated person and if anyone can get through this and make it happen, it’s you.
I will be following your blog and sending you my thoughts and prayers every single day. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to following along with your recovery, I know you can do it!
All the best,
Morgan
Arash…. How are you sooooo amazing. Seriously. Your perspective and writings in this blog are absolute inspiration and hope… Leah and our newest , Milo, are sending you big love man. If there is anyone that has the positive sole to overcome, it will be you! I really believe that. Let’s connect soon. Please keep writing your story… We are following!
Eric
Arash,
You were inspiring when I met you for the first time at the top of Machu Picchu 4 years ago ( I am so glad I asked you to take my photo! HA!). And now you continue to inspire me with your positive approach to overcoming this huge challenge. It’s absolutely amazing. And I am sorry to have been late to respond but I just saw a few posts this morning. It was just another day at work for me until I read through your blog this morning-and I am now lost for words at your strength, will and determination. Again, amazing! Tomorrow, and the next day, and day after that I will continue to keep you in my thoughts during this challenging time and place a big old spot for you in my heart! I realize the blog is a great place to connect, but would love to send things in snail mail. It’s a lost art, right? And when things do arrive in the mailbox-I don’t know, it always puts a smile on my face (minus the bills of course. HA!).
Anyway, hit me up with a mailing address if possible……..
All the best and looking forward to following your progress,
Jennifer
Your spirit an fierce determination to conquer this challenge – just as you always have in all your other life pursuits is so inspiring ~ beautiful and rich. Admiration and Love to you ~ Heal Heal Heal — I will be keeping you in thoughts, heart and prayer — RL
Arash – my sunshine! When we met on the hiking tour in Norway – you changed my life with your positive attitude and inspiration – which you still do today! I will keep you in my thoughts each and everyday and will do whatever I can to help you through this part of your life journey! You are an inspiration to all and I know you will conquer this – as you have conquered everything you attempt….mind over matter, my friend. All the best – I will be following you……as I did in Norway….on each and every trail…..sending love, prayers and good thoughts your way…..Teik
Hi Teik! Great to hear from you and thank you so much for your support and kind words. I look forward to sharing this journey and know that you’re reading. Much love and positive thoughts to you too. Stay in touch -AB
WOW! Inspiring! I am totally at awe reading your blog! You are a very upbeat person. I believe the human mind is a very powerful thing! We can accomplish much if we only decide it can be done. I came to this conclusion when I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer at the age of thirty. I didn’t have a good prognosis and despite what the drs. told me I believed if I had a positive mentality and stayed strong in my faith I would survive. Not only did I survive, I also overcame many of the things I was told by drs. I would not. I love your optimism and believe with your strong will you can and will be fully restored. I surrounded myself with positive people! I still live with chronic pain. Some days my pain level is a 9 out of 10 and on a normal day at least a 4 out of 10. I understand how you feel because at one time I too was in a wheel chair. However, I weighed just over 80 lbs and I didnt know if I would survive. I too am an athlete! I love to run and do all things outdoors. I love your story. I look forward to reading your blogs! You inspire me!
Your story is quite inspirational as well. Congrats to you to be able to defy what doctors told you and make your own reality from your situation. I hope your cancer is better and that your pain is less extreme. Thank you for reading and for sending your own inspiring thoughts. Happy to learn of your story. Best to you -AB
Heart-wrenching, yet warming at same time
Beautiful story…Our times of trials and challenges can make us stronger, if we approach them as such. Although, getting asense of perspective, i realise i have never had something like this happen to me. Im very glad to have discovered your blog today…I have recently created a blog where, I will be exploring aspects of my big passion in life -nature and what we can learn from it/environmental education, how we can reconnect with it through living sustainably, BEING in it etc… So i am excited to read further posts of yours from your travels, hikes and love of nature etc 
Best wishes to you from Malta. Namaste
Your blog is a wonderful idea and I congratulate you for tackling those issues as they are dear to me too. I hope that once I recover I can devote more attention to subjects like yours and reappreciate nature. I’m flattered you found my blog all the way in Malta. Best to you -AB
Thank you all the way from my heart Arash. I feel same about having found your blog. The synchronisites of life eh
I wish you lots of healing so you can return to your love of the outdoors. With love, light, peace. Namaste, Ciara
Much appreciated Ciara. Look forward to sharing our respective journeys -AB
Arash, I found your blog quite by accident and now find myself compelled to post something right about the time I usually swipe my finger across my iPad and move to the next blog.
Just a few hours ago I was lamenting about something which I now find quite irrelevant. Embarrassingly so, even. Your story has put so much into perspective for me today. It is so important to “keep going”. Thank you, for that. As far as changes in your life, the comments by people who know you indicate to me that, despite your accident, you continue to be the same person – you simple have found a new way to inspire awe.
I wish you continued progress and happiness.
Your message means a lot to me and one of the things I strive for in this blog is to provide even just a tiny bit of perspective to others. So I’m honored I could captivate your attention for a few moments. Thank you for reading and hope you continue reading -AB
Thank you Arash. I will make a point to visit. Stay well.
What a beautifully written page, and blog…. Thanks so very much for sharing your experiences. Sending healing vibes and love your way, from across the miles and states — keep visualizing! The brain is a powerful device.
I agree with you on the power of the mind. Thanks for your support and I hope you keep reading -AB
May your journey of self-acceptance grow in richness and strength…..strong enough you will have photos of your new self.
You need to like your new self to reveal to the world what you are now, what you look like now…not photos of just prior to your accident. May you find new passions long-term.
Courage to you: I worked in a hospital for spinal cord injured adults for 3 yrs.
Arash…I just found you through Robyn and its so good to meet you! I don’t have words for what this journey must be like for you…wanted to say that you inspired me as I read your story….please accept my healing prayers for you….and keep wiggling that toe! I have huge respect for visualization and prayer, both have which has gotten me farther down the path….keep writing your story my friend and your circle of love will keep growing and growing….
As a runner/hiker/walker who is in constant motion from dawn to dusk, I empathize with the burden of forced sedentary living, necessary though it has been for you to heal. Too bad you can’t ‘bank’ your exceedingly active days and spread them over the idle ones, if that makes any sense. But, you stood much closer to the scalloped edge of Half Dome than I had the nerve to when I ascended back in 1998!
I see that you are a San Francisco Bay Area resident. I live north of the city and it has been so bitterly cold, even in midday, that you haven’t missed many ideal hiking days. A small matter in the scheme of things you are dealing with at the moment, I realize.
Having stumbled upon your blog while trying to shape my own into some kind of meaning, I’m inspired by your candor. ‘Fad saol agat’-Gaelic for ‘long life to you.’
Dana
Hi Dana, yes I agree I wish I could have banked by active days to now but I’m actually pretty active these days with therapy. Doing 3-4 hours a day 6 days a week, it’s just not in the form I would most like, namely being outside. I’m assuming you live in Marin? To seeing half dome again… -AB
The fact that you are in such good physical shape could very well have something to do with the pinky toe…Best of wishes!
Tom
I hope that has something to do with it Tom, that is what I hear. -AB
Your story breaks my heart, but I have a feeling it’s not the last word. With your tenacity, determination and discipline, better days are surely ahead.
I’m sorry about your accident. Keep working and stay positive!!! As finding Nemo says “just keep swimming” that may be out of reach literally right now but not mentally!!!
Haha I love the Nemo quote. Thanks for reading -AB
Arash–You are one of us. Those outdoor people who are constantly doing it out there, pushing the limits and defing the odds–until…we don’t. You are an inspiration, though I’m sure you don’t feel that way all the time. I’m older now, and when I look back at the things I’ve done, I think, “OH! Jeez! Lucky!” As a former park ranger, I’ve hiked, biked, rafted, and climbed my way through a number of western national parks. Now, it’s horses! Riding the other day, a bit too fast for my old and abused spine, I thought about what might happen if the horse stumbled, and we slowed down. Now I find your blog and feel such kinship with you. I can’t tell you how lucky you are to be born into a loving family! More power to you all! Wiggle that toe! And the rest of you!! And thank you for sharing yourself with the world.
I’m so happy you read and feel that kinship. I too feel it and know that if you’ve spent so much time outdoors like you say, you have an idea of how badly I want to do all of those things again. That is my fuel and motivation, I just refuse to accept that I’m done doing the things I love the most, so I have to get back, right?? Stay safe out there and keep enjoying the outdoors. I’m there in spirit. Thanks for reading -AB
Hi Arash
I find you blog truly inspiring. You are such and amazing and strong person. Thanks for sharing this. I wish you all the best
I’m happy you enjoyed it and hope you keep reading -AB
Here’s an award for you.
http://au1688.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Cheers!
So many of us take our health for granted until we are given reason not to. Good luck on your journey Arash, add my positive thoughts to the many others. You sound as though you have an optomistic spirit and I am sure that will serve you well.
I am doing my best to keep that optimistic spirit alive and going. I know I will never take my health granted again. Thanks for accompanying me on this journey -AB
http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/
I wanted to share this with you
And this.. for the same reasons. You are a very cool example of living in the moment. http://scvincent.com/2013/04/03/blame-the-morphine/
Thank you! Glad we could connect -AB
Hello Arash! I have nominated you for a ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award 2013′ – if you would like to accept the details are here: http://sarahryan85.wordpress.com/awards/ Wishing you all the best!
Thank you much! I’ll check out the info now -AB