‘Paralysis Didn't Stop Me'

A WOMAN who lost the use of her legs eventually walked down the aisle at her wedding, and is now a mother.

ON Gina Giaffoglione’s first date with John Springhower, he asked if she could have children. It was among the most salient question he had for the stunning brown-haired paraplegic he’d fallen in love with at first sight. She was then 23 years old and wanted children, but quietly wondered if motherhood was in her future. She’d been sitting in a wheelchair for two years after a devastating car accident.

But Gina got her dream. On December 22, 2015 she became a mom.

“He’s beautiful and amazing,” beams the adoring mother, who’d previously shown her spirit and tenacity when she rose from her wheelchair wearing a backbrace under her wedding gown and, with assistance, walked 27 metres to take her vows. Yet nothing’s been as rewarding as having a baby.

“LaKota’s the best thing I’ve felt in my life. You could be having a bad day and he looks at you and it all goes away,” says the 30-year-old.

For someone who lost the use of her legs, child caring has its challenges. In-laws and parents pitch in to help as needed, and Springhower, 33, is a hands-on dad. Still, the bulk of responsibility falls on Gina who teaches tumbling three afternoons a week at her own gym in Glenwood, Iowa in addition to her cooking, cleaning and food-shopping. “I would have been devastated if I hadn’t been able to take care of LaKota,” she says. “It’s what I love to do most. I’m so fortunate because he’s a patient, easy baby.”