LINA NGUYEN
The queen of positivity
By TRAILS volunteer Emily Hansen
Lina Nguyen has been a TRAILS participant for many years. In 2020, she was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Utah.
Q: Was there a time in your life, maybe at the beginning of your injury, where you didn’t feel supported?
Definitely. The first few years right after my accident. My family and hospital staff were there, but I didn’t see a lot of people in my situation. I didn’t know many people with disabilities in the community. I just felt alone. That is why I feel so passionate about (TRAILS and University of Utah Health) support groups, like Ladies in Motion, that helps people see that we can have a normal life and go and do those things that we want to do in our lives.
Q: And how has being a participant of TRAILS and member of a support group(s) helped you become who you are today?
When I joined Ladies in Motion, back four-five years ago, I was able to go out more and have the support of others that knew what I was going through. It really benefitted me and made me feel like I wanted to spread awareness that your life isn’t completely over after a spinal cord injury.
Social media has benefitted me as well when people share their story. Being around others with disabilities has really elevated that passion for me.
I’m really thankful for what TRAILS does, and I love being a part of it. I was the first person to try the Tetraski, and it was really exciting. And it is great to be active. It has really motivated my life even more. I have done most of the sports that TRAILS offers: shooting, cycling, sailing, and skiing.
Q: If others want to get involved in a support group, how would you recommend they start?
Honestly, they can start a group with anyone around them. Just gathering together, going out together and doing different activities once a month or weekly. Saying we want to get together whether it is cycling or movies, or whatever you are interested in. Ladies in Motion just started as a hang-out group but has grown into a group that works together to address certain issues that face us in the community.
Q: Part of your platform is spreading awareness about support groups for people with disabilities. In what ways might people with disabilities, or really anyone, benefit from a support group right now as we face COVID-19?
I think the greatest benefit with support groups is sharing resources. Being by yourself and isolated, you aren’t aware what is out there. For example, being a part of Ladies in Motion, we share information about the different programs available. I am also a part of the Disabilities Rights Committee. Right now, we are asking people what essential things they need at this time. Then, we are using Facebook to get the word out and ask others to help donate the items needed.
