Mckenna was spending her summer like any other fifteen-year-old, playing soccer, hanging out with her friends and soaking up the summer sun. But one afternoon with friends changed everything. Mckenna was spending the day on the water with friends when a jet ski accident resulted in her breaking her neck. Initially, her injury was graded as a C6 complete injury, but after seeing some improvement she was later diagnosed with a C7 incomplete injury and has limited grip strength in her hands but no movement in her core, legs, and feet.

When doctors gave her this news her first thought was not of herself – but of soccer. Before her injury, Mckenna was an avid soccer player who planned on playing soccer in college. But despite her injury, she was determined to find ways to remain active and participate in the sport she loves. Mckenna volunteers once a week to assist with Charlotte’s Independence Inclusion Soccer Program, a program offered to people of all ages with mental and physical abilities that teaches them how to play soccer.

Her story and courage inspired so many people not only in her area but around the country. In February of 2019, Mckenna’s teammates nominated her for the Shebelieves Hero on social media, a contest developed by U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team players. The SheBelieves Hero is awarded to a person who is a leader in their community and empowers those around them. Mckenna won the contest and was flown out to Nashville to meet the U.S. Women’s National Team. Where she got to meet her favorite player, Tobin Heath.

Mckenna is a CRT customer of Numotion and also a customer of Numotion’s Medical Supply business. They worked together to gain approval for catheters delivered in larger quantities each month. Now Mckenna never has to worry about running out or having to pay out of pocket for small orders, which can be very expensive.
“Our Medical Supply Rep, Leif, provided us with several different options that we were able to try until we found the one that worked best for Mckenna. He was great at walking us through the process and helping us find the best product solution” said Michelle, Mckenna’s mom.

Mckenna is a junior in high school and loves to spend time with her friends and participate in adaptive sports including quad rugby and adaptive water skiing. With the help of Numotion’s medical supplies, Mckenna’s independence has improved. “I can go out with my friends now and not have to worry about my mom being there because I can do the things I need to by myself,” said Mckenna.

As Mckenna transitions into this new chapter of life, she approaches any challenges with positivity and determination, showing no signs of letting anything stop her.