FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH: ROBBIE’S STORY As a teenager, Robbie Parks was known for being a “wild child” until a near-fatal car accident turned his life upside-down. Tragically, the accident left him partially paralyzed due to a C-7 spinal cord injury. After months of demanding physical rehabilitation, Robbie came to a critical realization: life would be different, but it could still be fulfilling. Armed with this new perspective, Robbie became involved with the Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program (ASAP) at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation. Through ASAP, Robbie rediscovered his passion for athletics, joining the rugby, handcycle and water ski team.
2, 3, 6: Robbie Parks, ATP, Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program 4. Ken Haynes, president of the Greater Charlotte Region of Atrium Health 5. Armando Chardiet, President, Atrium Health Foundation
Eventually, he would be selected to compete on the USA Adaptive Water Ski team, making him one of only 14 athletes to represent the United States in the world competition. Now a teammate at Atrium Health, Robbie hopes that his story can inspire others who face similar challenges.
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