Remembering My Lessons 10 Years Later
Debra Sunderland of Clarendon Hills with Dr. Marc Sloan of Deerfield, race medical director at the Glencoe Grand Prix May 31. Sunderland almost lost her life here competing in last year's race due to an accident causing brain injuries. Dr. Sloan was the first doctor on the scene to treat Sunderland. | Karie Angell Luc/for Sun-Times Media
Power to CHOOSE-The Power of My Mind
The amazing thing is is that there is always a choice-even when you feel trapped, lost or down. Your absolute lowest can become your victory! The power is in moving the needle forward - just one step forward-in the moment. Choosing what I tell myself and what I will focus on in this moment—not tomorrow, not later, but NOW is what has brought me to my full life, deep joy with my family and friends, success (purpose/alignment) in my work and transformation after a near death experience.
After being in coma and in bed for months, healing from nine crushed ribs, a punctured lung, separated shoulder and a severe brain injury- that should have taken my life, I told myself that I would be stronger than I was before my crash. I would heal quicker than the doctors thought. Learning to walk, talk, and cut food again, I committed to choosing to look at the fact that I survived and appreciate what I do have.
And, I will focus on how to make a difference for others who are going through any kind of loss or suffering. My life will make a difference, and I will live in joy in my moments. My coach says that I am stronger than I was before my accident -even only after 8 months…Funny- The doctors said it would take close to three years to heal.
I share with you what I chose to think, and how I kept the needle moving. Doctors said that they did not think that I was going to live—yet I did because my body was strengthened from years of overcoming trauma. How great that I was ready! All things are for us- if we choose. I believe it is because of my friends caring, many people praying , eating a plant based diet, since I was four years old - and the strong will to keep going-even when I was in a coma that I have come this far. Most important, I believe in a loving God and universe. And that my life was given back to me to share with the world - “you ate like no other to live as such a time as this!”Your purpose is to be fully you and step into what excites you most. Life experience has taught me that thinking is believing is reality.
Notice what you think. The greatest human power -to CHOOSE loving thoughts to self and know what you believe. Question your thoughts, when you get a result you don’t want. Our results show what we believe- unconsciously. The results we don’t want are here to wake us up! And, if we OWN our results and learn from them- we open up ourself to limitless choice.
Support. To find someone who has gone ahead of me as my coach, in competitive cycling, music, business, and life has been priceless. We are made to have connection, joy, peace and love. We are love- when we choose. Seek someone who has gone where you want to be, and who has overcome similar adversity to learn and stretch yourself. Keep growing your inner and outer self always. Never give up on you. You always have you, and you are enough. You are a love. The power is when you choose to believe you are love.
Just as a brain injury can take away a life-our minds can do the same. I have come to know the power of my brain to give me more than ever I thought possible by what my brain chooses to focus on and believe. Join me on this journey. Wake up to the power of you. Step out of your coma and into presence. Choose to be the change in your life. Wake up to what you are believing. If these beliefs don’t serve you, choose another. Step into your power. Wake up to YOU!
Cycling crash victim returns to Glencoe Grand Prix triumphant
She suffered nine broken ribs, a punctured lung, a damaged ear, a separated shoulder and brain trauma one year ago at the Glencoe Grand Prix.
On Saturday, Debra Sunderland of Clarendon Hills returned.
In sleek biking gear, Sunderland addressed a midday race audience, thanking people via microphone for supporting her since last year’s accident.
No one knows what caused her bike to crash last year. What Glencoe Public Safety officials and medics do know is that when they arrived to the scene, Sunderland was convulsing and screaming loudly, indicators of brain trauma and probable swelling.
Dr. Marc Sloan, an anesthesiologist from Deerfield, served as race medical director and was the first doctor on the scene.
“Very emotional, very grateful,” said Sloan who came up to Sunderland on Saturday. Sunderland became tearful when Sloan identified himself as the race doctor. She did not recognize him because she has no memory of the crash.
Sunderland gave a hug to Glencoe Police Chief Cary Lewandowski, who was standing near the racecourse under a shady tree.
“I think it’s going to be emotional for her to ride the course again,” Lewandowski said. “But I think it will be good for her healing process.
Grand Prix Media Director Jon Kerr, of Lake Bluff, said for Sunderland to be back a year after the accident “says a lot about the community and it also says a lot about the sport of cycling. Nobody embodies our message more than Debra Sunderland, which is, empowering individuals through the sport of cycling.”
Sunderland was accompanied on her lap by members of Team TIBCO, a professional women’s cycling team. Last winter, team cyclists produced a Tweeted video to honor Sunderland. The tribute was played Saturday on the large screen near the racetrack.
“We’re so inspired that we made that video last February,” said Dave Schneiber, of West Allis, Wis., the director for Team TIBCO. “She’s got so much energy and enthusiasm. She’s a family favorite.”
When it was time for the honorary lap, Sunderland said she felt motivated.
“I’m feeling really good, thankful, grateful, happy, no anxiety, a lot of peace, grateful to be here,” she said.
She put on a new helmet, and like she has been doing for months, training on a bike, she simply got on her bike’s seat. When it was time for the race, off she went with pro women cyclists.
“Life is our teacher, and once you realize that it is, accept it,” she said. “Just go with it and try to make the moments the best you can by being who you are, focusing on that, loving yourself, loving others.
“Thank you for standing alongside me.”
“It’s an honor to be with them, it’s totally awesome.”
Sunderland plans to resume a regular racing schedule and wishes to be an inspiration to others.