ORLANDO, Fla. — Having lost so much, Jana Shelfer says it was remarkable how her life changed when she focused on what she has gained.

“We face challenges, we face adversity, but those are the gifts that help us grow,” she said.

When she was a teenager, Shelfer got into a serious car accident. At 15, she became paralyzed from the chest down — and she says she thought that her life was over.

“At the time, I thought it was the worst thing that could possibly happen to a young, pretty, popular, smart girl,” Shelfer said. “And in hindsight, I believe that it may be my greatest spiritual curriculum. It may be one of the greatest gifts that’s ever been given to me.”

Decades later, Shelfer is a motivational speaker who shares her story of overcoming hurdles and living with positivity. She’s taken on competitive water skiing, and her husband Jason drives the boat.

When the wheelchair basketball Paralympian discovered a new adaptive fitness program at Orlando Health’s Advanced Rehabilitation Institute, she felt compelled to share it with others.

“This program comes to their home, virtually through their phones, and allows them to exercise at their own pace,” explained Brittany Tarin, a coordinator with Orlando Health.

She said the program incorporates exercises and practices, from weight training to yoga.

For Shelfer, it was an opportunity to continue her journey and learn new skills — she recently placed fifth in the slalom event at her first water skiing competition in Auburndale. 

“I’ve been in a chair for 34 years, and all of a sudden, she’s opened this spinal cord awareness that’s been awesome,” Shelfer said of Tarin. “It has made me want to move again. It has awakened my soul and made me realize I have one body and it’s worth fighting for.”

A new cycle for the exercise program starts in October. To enroll, visit the Orlando Health website to fill out a questionnaire.