GET UPDATES FROM DENNA
MY STORY
FROM COLLEGE TO PRO
In 2010, I began my college career at Princeton University. I majored in Politics, played on the Women’s Ice Hockey team where I was honored to be a captain my Junior and Senior years and was a member of the Cannon Club.
After graduating I began working at the Essex District Attorney’s office as a victim witness advocate and continued my hockey career professionally. I played for the Boston Blades of the CWHL in the 2014-15 season, helping bring home the Clarkson Cup. Then I joined the Boston Pride of the NWHL for the league’s 2015-16 inaugural season.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
I had planned to work for about 2 years and then apply and go to Law School. In December 2015, I was beginning to submit my applications and I was also gearing up to play one of the biggest games of my life, the first ever Outdoor Women’s Winter Classic to be held on New Years Eve, the day before the men’s Winter Classic, at Gillette Stadium.
A few shifts into that big game, my life changed forever.
THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
I went head first into the boards breaking my neck and suffering a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the chest down. After hours of surgery and months of inpatient therapy, I was released back into the world with an entirely new lifestyle and in need of a new plan.
RECOVERY
Using the skills I learned playing hockey my entire life I proceeded with new goals of recovery and rehabilitation.
Attending daily sessions at Journey Forward, an intense exercise based program for people with paralysis, quickly became the centerpiece of my days.
NEW GOALS
Using my voice and sharing my story, I have been able to raise awareness, advocate and fundraise for individuals living with and impacted by spinal cord injuries. I also have helped advance game changing research by participating in a clinical trial through the University of Louisville with Dr. Susie Harkema and team.
Through the overwhelming support that I have received from day one of my injury, I have formed many new and lasting relationships that have led me to experiences and opportunities that I could only dream of. Some big highlights of this journey have stemmed from my relationships with The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Princeton University, The NHL, The Boston Bruins, The Boston Pride, Noble and Greenough School, Journey Forward, Spaulding Rehab, Victory Over Paralysis and many more. At the top of the list was completing the 2017 Boston Marathon on a duo team with Bobby Carpenter.