Sean VanGerena is an ambulatory quadriplegic. After injuring himself in a serious car accident in November 2008 the 37-year-old triathlete found himself in the level 1 trauma center at Orlando Health with a cervical fracture of the sixth vertebrae — an injury that can cause paralysis or death. He also suffered a series of small strokes from the accident. He was told he might never leave the hospital, but nine months after his accident, VanGerena emerged back into mainstream and competed for the first time as a quadriplegic.
VanGerena suffered a brain and spinal injury and only has three arteries supplying blood to his brain. He is classified as USA Triathlon Ambulatory Quadriplegic T3 and is recognized by the International Triathlon Union. In essence, VanGerena has ataxia – a condition where he has trouble getting groups of nerves to work together. Therefore, each limb is graded in its level of deficiency, which determines his competitive status.
“Not many ambulating quads can run ultras,” VanGerena said.
Since his comeback, VanGerena was one of five athletes who received the Inspirational Comeback Award, from the USAT. This award recognizes athletes who have made a comeback to the sport after a traumatic or troublesome personal situation.
“My recovery has been miraculous. I have been blessed with the ability to walk. Despite some challenging deficits, I am a Triathlete,” he said.
In 2010 VerGerena competed in numerous races including Melbourne Music ½ Marathon (02/07/10), the Gasparilla Distance Classic (02/28/10), the St. Anthony’s Triathlon (04/27/10) and Ironman Florida 70.3 (05/16/10), to name a few, all for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
In 2011 he was part of Team USA and continued to compete in numerous races. In 2012 he ran the Boston with Achilles International and won gold at the Long Distance World Championships. He recently competed in the Paratriathlon National Championship (750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, 5-kilometer run)claiming a national title in his class.
For nutrition, VanGerena uses MILA and as more energy. “I don’t have to hydrate as much using MILA,” he said.
VanGerena is active with Challenged Athletes Foundation, Achilles International and the Wounded Warrior Project. He has launched his own non-profit organization, called Lie Down or Stand Up (http://www.liedownorstandup.org/) dedicated to rehabilitation and training.
VanGerena is an inspiration for athletes!
