Paralyzed and rockin' my new G coupe

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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:03 PM
  #1  
Hey guys, I am officially a newb to another car forum. Yet, this time is much different than ever before. On September 4th, I was riding my Kawasaki Ninja home from work when some dumb woman pulled out in front of me and pushed me off the road...she didn't even stop. My bike tipped over against the curb and I slammed head first into the base of a tree. Although I was only doing about 35mph, the impact completely severed my spine and spinal cord. It took a grueling 10 hour surgery to piece my spine back together again. Unfortunately, I will be paralyzed from the chest down the rest of my life. It's amazing how much this sucks and how different I see life now. If I were not wearing a helmet, I would be dead. Luckily, I am still here and am not brain damaged like others I went through rehab with.

The one thing that didn't change was my love for cars. I have always been a Honda/Acura guy but this time around, I decided to switch it up and get what I really wanted...RWD! A black on black G35 coupe. I have always driven manual cars but now that I don't have the use of my legs, the only safe option was to go with an auto. I just picked up a 2006 Coupe from a dealer in NC and they drove it up here to Columbus OH for me. So far, I am in love with this car. I still have my 2006 Accord V6 6-speed but it should be sold soon. What sucks more than not being able to drive is looking at your car sitting in the garage and you can't use it!

I will soon have my new G35 modified with Menox hand controls. It's a simple lever that sits next to the center console...push forward for brake and pull back for gas. I am extremely **** when it comes to my car and the last thing I wanted was some janky hand controls with sloppy linkage running from underneath the steering wheel to the pedals. These menox controls have a fairly clean look and although the lever sticks out like a sore thumb, it is better than the alternative. I remember seeing an episode of Overhaulin' and they used these controls in one of the cars they built for a paralyzed dude. Not too shabby. Anyway, just wanted to say hey. If you feel like checking out my story and blogs, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/briankinney. I look forward to getting to know the new G and all of you.


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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:11 PM
  #2  
welcome to the forum, you'll find everything you need to know about your G here
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:11 PM
  #3  
Another clueless female driver....

Well, welcome to Driver! I hope you enjoy your G although it won't be as fun to drive as riding your Ninja. Good luck!
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:13 PM
  #4  
Firstly, a warm welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase of your G!

So sorry to hear about your accident though, a HUGE props to you for keeping your spirits up and retaining your passion of cars!!
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:14 PM
  #5  
what a story! glad you can still enjoy a sexy car
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:17 PM
  #6  
thats love. ENjoy ur new car bro
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:26 PM
  #7  
Welcome and enjoy your new ride. I applaud your outlook on life, we're honored to have you here.
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:34 PM
  #8  
welcome to the forum and congrats on the new purchase! im interested in seeing pics of these hand controls once you get it all set up
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:40 PM
  #9  
^+1
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:49 PM
  #10  
Thanks for the replies! I will post some pics up but so far my photobucket is being a pain in the ***. Here is a pic of the hand controls in a Mercedes...Mine will be similar minus the wood grain.
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:55 PM
  #11  
Quote: Welcome and enjoy your new ride. I applaud your outlook on life, we're honored to have you here.
Well stated!!
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Dec 13, 2009 | 05:58 PM
  #12  
Quote: Thanks for the replies! I will post some pics up but so far my photobucket is being a pain in the ***. Here is a pic of the hand controls in a Mercedes...Mine will be similar minus the wood grain.
Interesting.......that lever kinda reminds me of my Father's Freightliner! Definitely post up some additional pics when you can.
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Dec 13, 2009 | 06:23 PM
  #13  
Just read your whole journal. Amazing stuff. I know you are having a lot of issues right now, but I can tell you that you are doing ten million times better than I would be!
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Dec 13, 2009 | 06:39 PM
  #14  


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Dec 13, 2009 | 06:44 PM
  #15  
Welcome to the forum.
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