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Update: Woman Paralyzed in Tragic Bachelorette Party Accident Will Finally Make it Down the Aisle

Paralyzed Woman Finally Marries

Back in November The Blaze reported about a tragic accident at a bachelorette party that left a young bride-to-be paralyzed just one month prior to her nuptials. Now, nearly a year later, Rachelle Friedman is finally making it down the aisle to marry the man who has been waiting to exchange vows with her since the accident. Friedman is reportedly even wearing the same gown she chose for her first ceremony.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP/The Blaze) — A year after she was paralyzed in poolside horseplay at her bachelorette party, Rachelle Friedman knows one thing she would change about her life before the injury.

“I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn’t do it enough,” she says of her soon-to-be husband. “Looking back, I would have done it every night.”

Friedman will finally make it down the aisle on Friday, marrying the man who has waited with her to exchange vows since the accident. She is wearing the same gown she chose for the first ceremony but with her father pushing her wheelchair down the aisle instead of walking her down it, arm in arm.

Also joining her will be the bridesmaid who shoved her into the shallow end of a pool on May 23, 2010 — causing a freak accident that changed their lives. The 25-year-old from Knightdale has stuck with her friend and refused to reveal her identity even as newspapers, television and Internet sites carried the story around the world.

“She was tragically hurt, mentally and emotionally. And I was tragically hurt, physically,” Friedman says on a day that a tailor is altering her strapless, simple wedding dress to fit her new, thinner, less muscular body. “It‘s harder to deal with when you’re hurt emotionally sometimes than when you’re hurt physically.”

Friedman was celebrating with her girlfriends in Virginia Beach, Va., about a month before she was supposed to be married last year when she was injured. After being pushed into the pool, she awkwardly hit the cement bottom. She knew immediately something was wrong.

“I instantly just stopped moving,” Friedman says. She floated to the top, face up. Her friends were already in the water to help. This isn’t a joke, she told them. Call 911.

The horseplay was no different from the way her friends had goofed around many times. Friedman could have just as easily pushed her friend in the water, she says. She refuses to even call the act a prank because that would imply some devious intent.

“People look at it like this is something that happened to me, but it happened to both of us,” Friedman said of her friend.

Friedman is moving on with her life, learning how to play wheelchair rugby and using her knuckles instead of her fingers for tasks such as texting and responding to email.

Neither she nor her fiancé, Chris Chapman, ever considered deserting the other. They’d been together for almost five years when the accident happened.

“You have to know me and Chris to understand,” Friedman says.

Chapman, a 28-year-old middle school science teacher in Spring Hope, echoes her.

“It was not, ‘What am I going to do?’” he says. “It was, ‘what are we doing to do?’ … I just didn’t know what to do next. It was one step at a time.”

The two will exchange vows in a ceremony at The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, with a reception in the village barn. Her favorite flowers, sunflowers, will take center stage. Wedding planning company             1-800-REGISTRY       is paying for their ceremony and the honeymoon in Fiji.

“I’ll be happy and relieved to see her coming down the aisle,” Chapman says. “It‘s something we’ve been working on for quite a while.”

The two grew up in Virginia Beach, but didn’t meet until they were both students at East Carolina University in Greenville, becoming close friends while each dated other people. Once they started dating, he fell in love with her energy and personality.

“She was always positive, always upbeat, always ready to do something,” he says. Now, he worries about keeping her active. He’s learning to referee at wheelchair rugby, and she’s trying to get a hand cycle so they can bicycle together. She also wants to learn wheelchair tennis.

“We’re hoping to keep her active,” he says. “And I’ll go along and try to participate as much as I can.”

Before she was injured, Friedman was a program coordinator at a senior activity center in Raleigh, where she planned parties and taught line dancing and light weightlifting. While the job didn’t pay a lot, she felt blessed to be employed right out of college, to own a home with the man of her dreams and to be planning their wedding.

A typical day now is “kind of boring,” she says. She often visits the senior center where she used to work and does whatever exercises she can at home. She has finished a round of rehab, but is considering more advanced treatment.

While she says she’s accepted using a wheelchair, Friedman also talks about trying to raise about $15,000 to go to Project Walk in California for three months of therapy and housing. “They don’t promise anything, but there are stories of people with my exact injury walking out of there,” she says. “So it’s hard not to try.”

A more attainable goal awaits her after the wedding. The Beatles fan wants a tattoo of the peace sign drawn on the back of her neck, at the center, marking her injury. Underneath will be inked, “Let It Be.”

“It symbolizes that I’m at peace with it,” she says.

Comments (37)

  • Eyeball
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 2:35pm

    They are a courageous couple. And the girl who pushed her in the pool needs to know it could have happened to anyone and that she needs to buck up and get on with her life if she hasn’t already. You only life once, so get on with it.

    Report Post » Eyeball  
  • ncgrammie4
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:24pm

    I just sent a donation too and hope this young lady can raise enough to go to Cal and continue to pursue her dreams.

    Report Post »  
  • bamman
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 7:19pm

    I donated $25 to her fund: http://www.rachellefriedman.com/donate.

    Report Post » bamman  
  • YoutubeAgeConservative
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 5:51pm

    What an amazing lady. A true class act. It humbles me and brings a tear to my eye to read of such strength. Simply incredible.

    Report Post » YoutubeAgeConservative  
  • The46Percent2008
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 5:20pm

    I was touched until the Beatles comment about the peace sign and LET IT BE. WHY WOULD YOU ADD THAT? WHY IS THAT NEWS!?

    Report Post » The46Percent2008  
  • Bunny3307
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:20pm

    what a beautiful story!
    i am truly touched by this girls strength.
    she will be in my prayers!

    Report Post » Bunny3307  
  • woemcat
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:22pm

    i love reading stories like this. we read too many stories of sadness. it’s refreshing to read of courage, real hope, and tenacity. also, it’s refreshing to read that she holds NO animosity toward her friend. too many would sue and it would destroy a friendship. this is one classy lady.

    Report Post » woemcat  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:40am

    That guy is crazy to be marrying a paralyzed woman.He’ll be sorry.

    mossbrain  
    • WHOISTHATMADMAN
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:58am

      What a shallow thing to say…karma is a b*#%h, hopefully you don’t have to suffer through something like this.

      Report Post » WHOISTHATMADMAN  
    • AYFKM
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:12pm

      C’mon Blaze, pull this nitwit’s credentials already. Trolling is for fishing.

      Report Post »  
    • rhythmz
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Mushbrain, you only wish you could meet a more loyal lover or friend. I can promise that he will prosper far more having stayed by her side than anything of love you will EVER experience. It’s cowardly statements like yours that make this story that much sweeter and encouraging!!! Her willingness to accept, forgive, and overcome is something this nation could take a lesson from. I would marry a girl with her heart in flat second without hesitation because I know she would be loyal to me. You have ALOT to learn from…

      Report Post » rhythmz  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:33pm

      You have your name right.. Moss for a brain.. What a terrible thing to say. God forgive you!!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • JQCitizen
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 5:29pm

      Someone who could not consider a paralyzed partner has NO BUSINESS marrying at all. Marriage and Parenthood are not for the faint at heart.

      You could marry someone who is a perfect specimine of health, and on your honeymoon they could contract lyme disease, or there could be an accident that would change everything.

      You can do everything right to be healthy, and have a healthy pregnancy, (such as Sarah Palin), and for reasons only known to God, your child could be born with a birth defect.

      There is a reason the words “In sickness and in health, till death do us part”, has been used in marriage vows for generations. We are supposed to do everything we can to be as faithful in our marriage as God is to us, because in the New Testament, He revealed that Marriage is a picture of Christ’s commitment to the Church.

      If you can’t be that faithful, no matter what, DON’T MARRY!!

      Think about it.

      Report Post »  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:08pm

      Mossbrain, you’d be crazy to marry a paralyzed woman (that’s if any would have you in the first place) because you don’t understand love. Actually I guess the correct statement would be that any paralyzed woman would be a fool to marry you, for your shallowness and selfishness would only hurt her and drive her love away. It is my hope that as you mature, you gain a deeper respect for the opinions and lives of others.

      Report Post »  
  • workinghard
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:31am

    I hope she walks again some day, but she possesses something that functioning legs would’t change.

    To all those people sitting around whining about how miserable their lives are but are unwilling to embrace a positive attitude…go for a walk.

    Report Post »  
  • lembrandt
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:21am

    Good God, this is sad…and yet, I am moved by the attitude of this young woman and her fiance – what courage they have!

    I really can’t imagine how they both have been able to remain positive during this ordeal, it is truly an inspiration.

    Is there no place to make a donation? Please publish one if it exists.

    God bless them.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:06am

    What a nice story. God Bless this couple.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • robstoddard
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 9:49am

    Something is painfully missing from this article… Where to send donations.

    Report Post » robstoddard  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:35am

      Ditto that. This is someone I WANT to “share the wealth” with.
      Blessings for her, her husband and her friend. I have nothing but admiration for each of them.

      Report Post »  
    • worthless
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:06pm

      I will pay all of the $15k so she can go to Cali.

      And I know most Blazers would if they had the means too

      If you all are serious about donating, I will post the info when I reach them

      Report Post » worthless  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 2:21pm

      @robstoddard Good point. I agree with you. Need a link.

      Report Post »  
    • bamman
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 7:20pm

      http://www.rachellefriedman.com/donate

      Report Post » bamman  
  • oldestgenxer
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:47am

    Some of youse older, stricter conservative types might not get the tattoo idea. But listen–it has meaning. She’s not getting a tramp stamp or dolphin, for crying out loud. I have exactly one tattoo: Almost a year to the day after my father passed away, I got a replica of the tattoo that he had. Since then, a few cousins have done the same–it’s the unofficial family crest. (My dad was the “favorite” uncle.) Covering your body is one thing. One special one with meaning is entirely another.
    God Bless her and her fiance, and her poor friend, too, who has to live with what must surely be overwhelming guilt.

    Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 9:05am

      Sorry Old, I know that tattoos may have meaning, but if women realized, no matter how beautiful they may be, that a tattoo totally ruins their appearance. I can’t explain it, but it seems like a defect, on something God made beautiful.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 9:30am

      I was 29 and worked for the police department. I decided to get a tatoo. I was told by my policemen friends, think about what kind of clothes you wear, and whether you want it seen or not. I do think it is tacky to have on an evening gown and a tatoo on your shoulder. I opted for my hip so the only people who see it are the ones I want to show it to. I got a tiger with wings, twisted in flight playing with his tail. It signifies strength, but playfulness. I don’t wear a bikini, and only the paw sticks out under a one piece suit. I disagree that all tatoos look tacky, and don’t belong on women.

      Report Post »  
    • USAMama
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 11:24am

      I’m not a fan of tatoos, especially on women, but I don’t condemn them for it. Especially when it has such a personal symbolic meaning. It’s not something I would do, but I can understand it and if it helps them somehow then good for them. I have a cousin in law who lost her sister and unborn twin nieces to the swine flu 2 years ago. She got a tatoo on her back of 3 white lilles (her sisters favorite flower), a big one and 2 little ones to represent the girls, and a honey bee (her sisters name meant honey bee). Again, not something I would do, but because I know the situation I think it’s beautiful.

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • Brad Wesselmann
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:10pm

      If something is so important that one would feel the raw desire to paint their body, they should consider holding that important “truth” in their heart and let the spirit of the truth ooze out to all those they come in contact with. I smile a lot, but it’s not because I am always “happy” it’s because I have peace in my heart and I do love to share. :-)

      Report Post » Brad Wesselmann  
    • Brad Wesselmann
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 1:13pm

      …I think it actually scares some people more than a tattoo. Ultimately, to each his own peace be found…it’s just my point of view.

      Report Post » Brad Wesselmann  
  • conservativemom99
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:40am

    I love that she protected her friend…what a testament to true friendship and loyalty…even in tragedy.

    Report Post » conservativemom99  
    • ElenaJ
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 4:02pm

      Agreed. This is a strong sign of a special character. It must have been terrible for her friend as well.

      Report Post »  
  • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:32am

    This is definitely one amazing woman (and an amazing fiancé), I‘m sure God will Bless her tremendously and while it may seem kind of tacky to mention this but I’m going to because in a way I see it as being relevant. I’m very glad that obamacare had not kicked in because this woman in her situation might have been determined to be “not useful to society” and she might not have received the care that she has received and is continuing to receive, so I feel that she is blessed by that fact as well. From what I see, she can give us a lot to learn from her determination and positive spirit.

    Report Post » Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:26am

    Please skip the tattoo though. Tattoos on women make them look cheap.

    Report Post »  
    • Napkin
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 10:08am

      I agree with you on the tattoo thing. It’s ok if a woman gets one, but I’ll never like it. I was going to post my opinion on women/tattoos on Facebook, but I couldn’t think of a way to do it without offending my female friends. I finally posted that the only tattoo a woman should get is one that says “property of ……”. :)

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:04am

    What a strong young lady. May Our Lord Bless the Couple and Help Them Along in Life.

    Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on July 19, 2011 at 8:44am

      What an inspiring story and young woman. I pray that someday soon she will dance.

      Report Post »  
  • poppinbeaners
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 7:28am

    What a trooper! She’s still a strong and very able woman in my eyes. I love her resolve. Her fiance’ is a very lucky man.

    Report Post » poppinbeaners  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 19, 2011 at 7:05am

    WOW! What an amazing young woman and an equally impressive young man. May GOD empower and enrich their lives, their relationship and their friendships. I would call that situation especially with the bride’s maid who has also been so injured emotionally, “healed”.

    We can pray for complete physical healing for her, and that would be a good thing. Then, I think of Joni Erickson Tada and how her life has effected and affected so many. Our GOD IS A GOOD AND GRACIOUS GOD and HE WILL act in this young woman’s life as she permits HIM. I will pray for blessing upon blessings for her and for them as they travel through this life together.

    Report Post »  

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