ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A young woman with a strong spirit helps keep dreams of recovery alive for others.
Cindy Donald was sunbathing in her driveway in 2005. Her dad didn't see her and hit her with his car, leaving her paralyzed. Instead of letting the life-changing injury defeat her, she instead continues to inspire others.
She formed the Dreams of Recovery Foundation to help others with spinal cord and brain injuries receive the therapy they need.
"I realized with the financial challenges of being paralyzed, a lot of people needed help. We decided to start the Dreams of Recovery Foundation in 2008," said Donald.
That's when CBS Atlanta's Jennifer Mayerle first met Donald. Since then, the number of people she's helped has grown.
"So far we've helped 12 people and each individual gets $15,000 for therapy or therapy equipment in their home," said Donald.
One of this years recipient's is Kelly Goddu. The competitive swimmer was hurt during a diving accident in a pool.
"Therapy is very expensive in general, especially when it's a life long struggle of therapy," said Goddu.
The grant will help the New Hampshire native continue therapy at the Shepherd Center in metro Atlanta.
"One of my goals is to work on wheelchair mobility and being more independent, pushing around and getting myself from point A to point B," said Goddu.
She credits Donald with helping her have a can-do attitude.
"She hasn't let it hold her back, and I said, ‘wow, I guess I really can do anything I want to do.'" Said Goddu.
Because of the high cost of therapy, Dreams of Recovery focuses on helping an individual achieve their goals.
"It takes a lot of time and a lot of money and the progress is very slow but to help regain feeding yourself or brushing your teeth or any daily activity is a lot of, those things mean a whole lot," said Donald.
Dreams of Recovery has helped 12 people so far. There are still 20 people on the waiting list.
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