In 2010, Megan Torio had a bright future ahead of her as a professional fitness model. She dropped nearly 100 pounds and appeared on the cover of a fitness magazine. But her dream came to a halt on June 2, 2011. In a fit of rage, Megan’s abusive boyfriend threw her out of a truck going 65 mph. She was left with extensive injuries including a broken collar bone, back, and spinal cord. She was completely paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors told Megan she would never walk again. Her dreams of becoming a fitness model were crushed and she was physically and emotionally devastated. And she also lost hope of ever meeting a man who would truly love and respect her. But Megan’s spirit soon bounced back, and being the fighter she is, she’s made incredible strides in five years.
Megan Torio is only 28-years-old, but she’s already endured more hardship than most people do in a lifetime.
2010 looked like the start of a promising career as a fitness model for Megan. She lost 91 pounds, won the Tosca Reno eat-clean diet challenge, and was featured in Oxygen magazine twice—even gracing the cover of the magazine’s weight loss edition.
But on June 2, 2011, Megan’s life was turned upside down when her abusive boyfriend threw her from a truck traveling at 65 mph. Megan’s injuries included a broken spinal cord, collar bone, shoulder, and six ribs. Paralyzed from the chest down, doctors told Megan she would never walk again.
Despite being left paralyzed, Megan started working out again. Eventually, as her muscles strengthened, Megan felt sensation in her legs again. More than ever, she was determined to walk again. She worked on standing every day in physiotherapy until she could stay on her feet for two minutes. Then, she began taking steps.
Megan had all but given up on finding love. But in 2011, she met Rod. “I thought no-one would be interested in me,” she said. “I was paraplegic and didn’t feel like a woman.”
On their second date, Megan showed up using her cane instead of her wheelchair. She wanted to show Rod that she could take care of herself. As for Rod, he proved to be accepting, loving and supportive. Megan and Rod got married in 2012.
Now, Megan’s dream of becoming a fitness model is once again becoming a reality.
Megan is sharing her story on Instagram in the hopes it will inspire others. “And even though I know it won’t be easy, it’s actually been pure hell through all of this, and wouldn’t even wish it on my worst enemy. I know my dreams will be worth everything! To inspire the world!!!!!!! To be a first partial paraplegic fitness model.”
Please share Megan’s inspiring journey with all your friends that need a reminder that true strength comes from within!
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