Carmen Frede

It is often said that life is a circle, yet at times it feels more akin to an ascent. Following a concussion sustained in a car accident, my world seemed to slow, but my determination remained steadfast. I chose not to allow that injury to mark an end; rather, it became a new beginning. This challenge did not restrict me—it broadened my resilience in ways I had not anticipated.

Since that time, the journey has been quite dynamic:

• The Academic Pursuit: I returned to my studies to achieve my Doctorate as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• The Research Endeavor: My dissertation was dedicated to promoting concussion awareness and early treatment education.
• The Professional Practice: I devoted my time to treating patients who were navigating the complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury and spinal trauma.
• The Literary Contribution: I became an author, sharing a memoir focused on self-empowerment and the skill of accomplishing challenging tasks.

Presently, I am applying this philosophy of embracing “hard things” once more to outdoor pursuits. I am officially in training for the Marji Gesick 50! Returning to mountain biking is not merely about the ride itself; it is about demonstrating that our identities are not shaped by our injuries, but by how we recover from them.