I Run, So I Can Walk.

My name is Cheryl Anne Smyth. 

I am married to a loving husband who I met in high school. Our little family is completed by his teenage daughter and two dogs, Lucy-Loo and Louie. I’m a Florida native who deeply loves my family, friends, cooking, traveling, experiencing new things, and all living creatures.

I joined ARC shortly after the group formed and I may be one of the slowest in the club, but I don’t mind. I run so I can walk.

The accident left me temporarily paralyzed.
I was told I may never walk again.

As a kid, I was never into sports. I aspired to be as lazy as possible. This is probably why my parents encouraged me to ride my bicycle to school 3+ miles every day to school versus taking the bus and in some ways, I’m grateful for that.

Running was never on my “things to do/accomplish” list. I secretly wanted to be an Olympic swimmer but we didn’t have access to a pool, so that was a pipe dream. Once, I challenged my Dad to a foot race to get out of chores. Figured it would be an easy win since one of his ankles had been rebuilt and he had a hard time walking. I didn’t win the race, only extra chores. 

Eventually, I began to find an appreciation for running during my early years of high school. I felt the freedom it gave. The power to clear my mind while feeding my soul and listening to the rhythmic sound of my feet connecting with the ground. It was soothing. 

That all ended one fateful night when I was involved in an accident at work at the young age of sixteen.

The accident left me temporarily paralyzed; the damage to my spine extensive. Shoulders tilted, hips twisted, discs collapsed, and the natural curve of my spine gone. Twisted in some places, too straight in others. I was told I may never walk again. It took time, a lot of pain, and tears, but I proved them wrong. This began my appreciation for chiropractic care, but I never attempted to run as I had before, afraid I would break.

Eventually, parts of my spine straightened out, my shoulders and hips shifted, most of the herniated discs healed and I got on with my life. 

Decades later, I would suffer again as I was involved in a rear-end collision that resulted in severe whiplash, seven herniated discs as well as several less severe injuries but also the unfortunate loss of life for the gentleman who hit me at a high rate of speed due to a heart attack. 

Once again, my chiropractor along with lots of physical therapy helped get me moving again. Eventually, parts of my spine straightened out, my shoulders and hips shifted, most of the herniated discs healed and I got on with my life. 

I grew to love the outdoors as I’ve gotten older and enjoy archery, swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, and now running again thanks in part to ARC.