“My time at CORE started out physical, but my did that evolve quickly,” says Melissa. She noted that even in a time of hardship she was able to find comfort and hope, and become stronger both physically and emotionally. She says she saw the ominous light at the end of the tunnel take on a more positive shape.
“Thirteen years into the injury and I think I have lived more life than I would have if this didn’t happen. I’m not saying it has been easy, but I will tell you first hand, it is possible.” Melissa has been making the most of her time post-injury, working to get her master’s degree in non-profit management, and spends a lot of time speaking publicly on alcohol awareness. She even wrote and released a book (Hope, Love, and Me: My Journey of Choices and Second Chances) in 2018, which details her journey to live again after such a life-altering event.