No Holds Barred: Lizzie Puts One Foot in Front of the Other

Water has always been a big part of Lizzie Lovat’s life. Not only was the 23-year-old a standout water polo player at Huntington Beach High School in California, but she also played NCAA Division 1 water polo for Iona University, located in New Rochelle, New York.

In addition to spending a lot of time in a pool, Lizzie also loved the ocean, growing up on the beach and working summers as a lifeguard at Huntington Beach.

In July 2023, Lizzie was teaching in Huntington Beach’s junior lifeguard program. “I was body surfing with some of my 12- and 13-year-old students when a wave threw me down, causing a C5 burst fracture. One of my students found me face down in the water, unable to move. She pulled me to safety and saved my life.”

Lizzie spent the next month in a California ICU with a spinal cord injury, pneumonia and a collapsed lung. “It was touch-and-go for a while,” she recalls. “I was completely out of it for a few weeks before I woke up with my family, friends and fellow lifeguards by my side.”

She adds, “A friend of my sister’s had experienced the same injury and went to Craig. So, he told my sister to get me to Craig as soon as possible. After one month in the ICU, I headed to Colorado.”

Playing a Part in Research

Reflecting on her Craig experience in the spinal cord injury neurorehabilitation program, Lizzie has very fond memories. “Being at Craig was incredible,” she says. “I had so many important friendships with staff and patients. My care team was extremely caring, doing whatever they could to help me emotionally, physically and spiritually, while also kicking my butt.”

While at Craig, Lizzie was introduced to the research study Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Promote Walking Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. “I was eager to participate because I figured that being in the study could only help my mobility and strength,” Lizzie recalls.

Since participating, Lizzie has seen clear improvements. “Several weeks in, I was able to take a few steps. As I continued in the study, I hit 128 steps, and then I got to 180, 200, and 205 steps! I couldn’t believe my progress. It was amazing!”

Additionally, Lizzie says she has a lot more strength and flexibility.

Moving On

After leaving Craig, Lizzie returned to Iona University to finish her senior year. She graduated summa cum laude with honors for a degree in speech/language pathology.

She returned home to California to give herself a much-needed break. “Between being in rehab and finishing college, it’s been non-stop since my accident. I want to rest and spend time at home. Then, I hope to pursue more clinical trials and attend graduate school for speech therapy.”

She adds, “Eventually, I hope to be able to walk independently and get back to the ocean. It won’t happen right away, but someday, I want to revisit the ocean that I have always loved.”

To learn more or donate to help Craig patients like Lizzie, please visit craighospital.org/foundation/donate.