177: Wheelchair Livin’ + Women’s World on Wheels - Laura Stark

Laura Stark is an athlete, a survivor, an advocate, and a board member of Women’s World on Wheels. Laura is a true inspiration to women everywhere and she joins The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast to share her incredible story of resilience, how she got involved in Women’s World on Wheels, and how their work is transforming the lives of women in wheelchairs.  In the summer of 2016, Laura was a part of a cross-country bike mission trip called “Bike & Build.” Bike & Build engages young adults in service-oriented cycling trips to raise awareness for the affordable housing cause. During her summer ride, Laura and another rider, Anne,  were hit by a distracted driver. Anne died in the accident and Laura fought for her life. Laura’s life was forever changed that day as she suffered a spinal cord injury that would leave her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. But instead of letting her injury define her, she is using her life and experience as an opportunity to build community with others and to advocate for women in wheelchairs.  With only 20% of the wheelchair community being women, there is a clear need for more resources, community,  and support for women in similar situations. Through her advocacy work, Laura has become a voice for change and she continues to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by women in wheelchairs through Women’s World on Wheels. Women’s World on Wheels provides programming, resources, and events as a catalyst for female wheelchair users’ physical, professional, and personal success.  Laura is truly an inspiration to women everywhere. You don’t want to miss this incredible episode! In this episode, you’ll hear: Laura’s inspiring life story; About the summer that changed Laura’s life - for so many reasons - and how she got involved in Bike & Build;  The story of how Laura was hit by a distracted driver and was left with a spinal cord injury and in a wheelchair; How Laura’s life changed after the accident, how she found courage and resilience, and how she found community and support; The struggles that face those in wheelchairs, specifically women; How Laura got involved in Women’s World on Wheels and about their incredible world-changing work; And so much more.  The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.  For more information about Laura and Women’s World on Wheels, please visit: }www.1GirlRevolution.com/laurastark