Jake’s Journey: From Spinal Stroke to Competitive Skier

On the morning of his 16th birthday, Jake Berry experienced a life-altering event that would change the course of his life. A sudden spinal stroke left him paralyzed from the waist down, resulting from a rare condition linked to weight lifting. Since then, Jake has embraced adaptive skiing and is now frequently seen at the Cardrona skifield, where he is mastering the art of skiing on a single ski.

Jake’s mother, Madeleine Berry, described him as someone who has always preferred to blend in rather than stand out. “Jake doesn’t like to make too much of a big deal of things. It is so nice to see him up on the mountain; he has gotten really good at it very quickly,” she said.

The family, who relocated to Wānaka in 2023 for a slower pace of life, found the community to be a supportive environment. Mrs. Berry noted that the picturesque location is particularly advantageous for Jake, given its accessibility for someone in a wheelchair. “Less hills, less rainfall, which is a big deal for someone in a wheelchair, and less wind,” she explained, emphasizing how these factors contribute to Jake’s comfort and mobility.

In the wake of the accident, Jake was admitted to Dunedin Hospital after experiencing unexpected physical complications at the gym. Medical professionals later attributed the spinal stroke to a “fibrocartigenous embolism from weight-lifting.” Following the initial shock and adjustment period, the family quickly turned their focus towards adaptation and building confidence.

Jake’s experience in adaptive skiing has not only provided him with a new passion but has also opened doors to further opportunities. He is now setting his sights on competitive skiing, with aspirations to travel to Colorado to advance his skills. The local community has rallied around him, contributing significantly to his journey.

The Wheels at Wānaka charitable trust awarded Jake $5,000 to support his skiing lessons and equipment. Additionally, friends of the family are participating in the Queenstown Marathon to raise funds for Jake’s upcoming trip to Colorado. “We have just been so thankful for this community. It is a calming place and also a place of great opportunity for someone with a disability,” said Mrs. Berry.

The past year has been one of significant change, not just for Jake but for the entire family. Following a four-month stay at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, they have witnessed Jake’s resilience and positive outlook. “He’s doing really well; he just gets on with it. They said in Burwood that the young ones deal with it a little bit better. He’s just trying to figure it all out,” Mrs. Berry remarked.

As Jake navigates his new reality, he is also re-evaluating his educational path. Once interested in pursuing a career in the trades, he is now focusing on subjects that will facilitate opportunities in less physically demanding fields. Using a wheelchair at school, Jake is currently the only student who requires one. “We really want to push his skills; so many jobs have been cut out of his world now, so he needs to focus on NCEA,” Mrs. Berry noted.

The family’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the human spirit’s resilience. With the help of friends and local organizations, Jake is not only adapting to his circumstances but is also thriving, setting ambitious goals for his future in competitive skiing.