Meet Stephanie Nichols-Rodas

 

We recently connected with Stephanie Nichols-Rodas and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Since 2017, I have faced significant mental health challenges due to a spinal cord injury that left me unable to move from the neck down. This has led to anxiety, depression, and frustration. To cope with these challenges, I have employed several strategies. Physical therapy has been particularly beneficial, not only in reducing spasms and shaking, which calms my anxiety, but also by providing emotional support through the relationships I’ve built with my trainers, who have become like family. Additionally, I practice breathing exercises and keep myself busy to manage my mental health. I also seek inspiration from mentors and influential figures such as Tony Robbins, Pink, Chris Martin, and Kevin Lawson, who help me maintain a positive mindset. These combined efforts have enabled me to persist and overcome the mental health challenges associated with my condition.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am currently serving on the Board of Directors for Rally 4 Reilly and Friends, a foundation dedicated to assisting individuals who have sustained spinal cord injuries. As the Director of Communications, I focus on spreading awareness about spinal cord injuries and aim to become a key resource person to help as many individuals as possible.

What excites me most about my role is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people who share the same passion and commitment. I am particularly proud of organizing various events such as Cornhole and Golf tournaments, and participating in radio shows and networking events to raise awareness. These efforts are all aimed at building a supportive community for those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Our vision at Rally 4 Reilly and Friends is to create a world where individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families can thrive, not just survive. This vision is supported by our mission’s four pillars: education, rehabilitation, mental health, and resources. We strive to provide comprehensive support, innovative rehabilitation, and inclusive communities, empowering each individual to reach their full potential.

We have several exciting initiatives and events coming up, and I would like to invite everyone to check Rally4Reilly and Friends, and please consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Your generous support will help us provide the necessary financial assistance and resources for people living with spinal cord injuries.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My role in working with media outlets, donors, and partners has been incredibly exciting, heartwarming, and has empowered my purpose making a difference in people’s lives. Core competencies such as volunteering, sponsorship sales, social media communications, and leadership have been instrumental in raising awareness and garnering support for our mission. For those early in their journey, I advise continuously seeking opportunities to develop these skills through practical experiences and look for collaborations to help you empower your dreams,goals and purpose.

2. Patience and an Open Heart:
These qualities have been essential, not only in navigating the challenges of working in a nonprofit environment but also in dealing with the personal challenges of being a spinal cord injury survivor. Learning to be gentle and loving to myself was critical in overcoming these hurdles. For newcomers, it’s important to cultivate patience and remain open-hearted, as these traits will sustain you through difficult times and enable you to connect deeply with others.

3. Resilience and Collaboration: Learning to not accept “no” or “can’t” as final answers has been vital. Embracing the fact that life is not a one-man show and relying on teamwork has led to many successes. My advice to others is to persistently pursue your dreams, goals and seek support from your community. Remember, no one knows you better than you do, so stay true to yourself and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

One of the biggest challenges I face as a spinal cord injury survivor is the cost and logistics of continuing physical therapy. Therapy costs around $3,000 a month, plus gas, and my accessible van is frequently in the mechanic shop. Purchasing a new accessible van is not within our budget, which adds to the stress.

To address these challenges, I rely heavily on my determination. I am always seeking support from foundations like Rally 4 Reilly and Friends, and I have been blessed to receive assistance from various organizations throughout my seven-year journey. Some of these foundations, such as Victoria’s Victory and Project 34, are not local to San Diego but still extend their help to those who have the strength and will to keep moving forward. This support fuels my strength to help others as much as I can.

I firmly believe in the power of community, recognizing that there are 8 billion people in the world with the shared mission of building a strong community. While it’s a daily battle requiring many hands, not all hands are always there, and that’s okay. There is always a way to contribute and support each other.

Maintaining my physical and mental well-being amid these challenges is crucial. I thank God for my family and the unwavering support they have given me over the years. I practice gratitude for both the small and significant things we often take for granted. I love with all my heart because, with an army of support behind you, it’s clear that this journey cannot be a one-man show.

It is incredibly important to donate to foundations like Rally 4 Reilly and Friends. These donations are the true insurance you and your loved ones need. Even small contributions of $10 to $15 a month, or even a one-time donation, can make a huge impact. Your generosity can provide the financial assistance and resources that people living with spinal cord injuries desperately need.
I have learned that “foundations” work with the strongest muscle of all “the heart” ,and we grow by helping others.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

None

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
Working hard in 2025: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that