How to Build Independence as a Brain-injured Hiker

Cindi turns back on the trail to talk.

        "I went to one of the programs and my whole world changed. It saved me. All of a sudden, I got my life back. I found out that I can. I found out that I can ride a bike. I found out that I can go kayaking again. I can have a life!" - Cindi Gazda, 2015

        Cindi Gazda has been participating in DCR's Universal Access Programs for many years. I first remember meeting her outside a skating rink in Holyoke during a program around ten years ago. She hadn't come to skate but to find out about other recreation possibilities. After that, we saw her in nearly every activity year-round throughout the following years, with hiking usually first choice. 

        Her acquired brain injury came from an unfortunate mosquito bite, infecting her with eastern equine encephalitis. Subsequent slips and falls have kept her challenged with memory, vestibular, and knee issues. Prior to her brain injury, she had been an avid hiker, kayaker, and spontaneous RV camper with four kids. Like many people, she "knew nothing about disabled sports" until after her injury. 

Cindi relaxes in a hammock.

        "I find my soul out there", she tells everyone. Cindi's quest for adventure has taken her well beyond the parameters of our group day hiking programs, and even the borders of Massachusetts. She leapt at opportunities to attend hikes by other organizations, led her family back onto the trail, and most recently this year, pursued hiking the Appalachian Trail for 3 days. Her enthusiasm and drive for getting out there has been a joy to watch.

        Little did we know how persistent she would be in pursuing her dreams via our Universal Access Program, where she tested her capacity by driving around the state, learning to cross country ski, discovering the therapeutic benefits of hammocking while hiking, bringing others to programs, and more. She has been an utterly inspiring model of working every angle to meet your needs and helping others along the way too.  

A small group of October hikers, including Cindi.

        "Just because you are broken, doesn't mean you can't still live another way." - Cindi Gazda, 2022

        I met up with Cindi this month as she has been hiking with our fall program for people with acquired brain injuries. How wonderful to meet on the trail, alongside a wild pond, and feel her joy as she hiked with pride through the forest, recalling her first time on the same trail, when she brought too much weight and couldn't hike very far. Now she strides along, walking sticks in each hand, supportive
accessories on each knee, with the front of the group. I know she struggles at times to get out enough, like we all do, and has to work at getting back into shape each year after "being a bear in winter". But no matter what, she finds her way out there, renewing her commitment to "soothe the soul" with time in nature. 

Pausing to use an oximeter while hiking.

        Along with being an avid outdoors woman, Cindi has become an aficionado of recreation gear, and happily shares tips on how to layer and the best ways to camp. She "absolutely has to have" hiking sticks, which keep her stable and safe and minimize dizziness. Bringing a hammock along on a hike is essential, for it allows her "a place to sit" nearly anywhere, easing any anxiety about not being able to cover the distance. Hammocks are soothing to the nervous system in general and are a great place from which to view nature. Cindi first learned about hammocks hiking with our program, and also another item, the oximeter, for measuring pulse and oxygen rate. Using the oximeter taught her the importance of hiking not just for fun and healing, but for building fitness too - reinforcing more reasons to keep getting out there.

        Some of Cindi's favorite places to hike include the Lynn Woods Reservation, Mt. Tom State Reservation's Bray Loop, and Ruggles Pond in Wendell State Forest. She sings the praises of Eileen Turpin from Waypoint Adventure, who guided her through a route in Lynn Woods several times to help her get to know it well enough to hike it on her own, while teaching Cindi map reading skills as well. The hiking app STRAVA also allows Cindi to track her route online and share it with others, whom she can call to assist her if she strays off her route.

        I've seen many participants move on from our programs, often once they have purchased their own adaptive equipment, but Cindi has a special place in my heart in part because she keeps coming back, in addition to her other adventures. It is always a treat to hear what she's been up to and be re-inspired to get out there on my own.

        DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to be mindful of the pandemic situation and follow current safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.