The Syracuse based Post-Standard has a feature article in their December 20, 2004 edition on the indomitable Jackie West.
In an all-too-often occurrence, Jackie found out that she had spina bifida while engaging in a school physical activity. Jackie, 17, fractured a vertebra in a fall during cheerleading practice last year. Subsequent tests also revealed that she suffered from scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, and spina bifida, which is usually characterized by an opening in the spinal column.
Jackie was performing a front flip during cheerleading practice before the homecoming football game in October 2003 when she landed on her back on the unpadded gymnasium floor. That's when she felt "a pop."
"I didn't think there was anything wrong," recalled West, who shook off the pain and cheered with her teammates through the game.
"I just thought I'd pulled a muscle. . . . I had tears in my eyes, but it wasn't enough for me to stop."
Jackie missed several months of school and had to wear an immobilizing back brace. Even after returning to school she wasn't allowed to lift more than 5 pounds or carry a backpack. But after more than six months of rigorous physical therapy five days a week, her doctors gave her the go-ahead to resume cheering in August, with some limitations.
Way to go Jackie!