MT Resident Contributes Column in National Magazine
Bozeman, MT – Elizabeth (Beth) Livingston, a member of United Spinal Association since May 2005, is now the author of a new column called “Growing Pains” for Action, the Association’s monthly magazine.
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Livingston shares her story of being a young woman coping with paralysis after a car accident in 1989. As a single mother of two children and an avid skier, her story is captivating an entire audience of readers with spinal cord injury or disorders each month.
“I have enjoyed being a member of United Spinal and receiving the monthly magazine,” said Beth, who also competed in Nordic skiing at the 2002 Paralympic Games in Salt Lake. “It has given me a renewed interest in advocacy by keeping me abreast of current issues and legislation relating to SCI.”
Beth is employed by The Home Depot in the Olympic Job Opportunities Program and is an “ambassador” for Patagonia, the outdoor clothing retailer, where she provides product testing and development. Beth also teaches skiing to individuals with disabilities at her local disabled outdoor recreation center, Eagle Mount (www.eaglemount.org or 406-586-1781).
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to relearn skiing the winter after my accident,” said Beth, who relished the opportunity to re-enter the world of skiing with the help of Eagle Mount. “Ski equipment for people in chairs was in its infancy, but there was something out there and a slew of kind souls willing to brave the learning curve to getting you back to what you used to love to do. It was frustrating and terrifying; it triggered immense sadness and feelings of loss; but low and behold, tiny flickers of accomplishment, and exhilaration. [Skiing] is a part of my identity. It brings me great joy, and a feeling of connectedness.”
To read more about Beth’s life, please visit: Action Online, keyword: Growing Pains at www.unitedspinal.org.
Membership in the United Spinal Association is free and open to all individuals who have a spinal cord injury or disorder.