Clare’s story changes in heartbeat
“OUR stories can change in a heartbeat, through no fault of our own”.
Those were the words of Clare Sultmann, the author of Standing On My Own Two Feet, who gave the 2017 address at the recent Concannon Oration at USQ.
She recounted her journey from fighting for her life after being hit by a garbage truck, to walking again “on her own two feet”.
“What becomes important when we are faced with the unexpected, and perhaps the traumatic, is our attitude and resilience,” she said.
Ms Sultmann described the incident that changed her life in 2000, including the 40 minutes it took to be freed from under the truck, as well as her long road to recovery after being told she may never walk again.
Seventeen years and 37 operations later, Ms Sultmann who lives in Noosa with her husband and three children, shared her story in the hope it inspires others to stand in the face of adversity.
“No matter how low we feel, or how bad our situation, we can move forward. It will require attitude, positive choice and a deep belief in self, but is something we can all achieve,” she said.
“While I live with the repercussions of my accident every day, I focus on what I can do and I think of how lucky I am, standing before you when so many said I’d never do that.
“I hope my story allows you to know more clearly that light follows dark, life goes on and you are never alone.”