Liu was killed, Jill barely survived, her spinal cord was severed, permanently paralyzing her and suffered a traumatic brain injury that now limits her motor functions. With the help of her family, Jill has persevered, fighting her way back to regain her independence, voice and passion.
She recently self-published the award-winning memoir “Couldn't Happen to Me: A Life Changed by Paralysis and Traumatic Brain Injury.” In addition to her writing, Jill is often asked to speak out against drunk driving and share her story with schools, businesses and community groups. Jill is a true inspiration to those fighting for their lives, the families who are battling alongside their loved ones, and anyone who might be afraid to stand up for themselves.
Q. Why was it important for you to write this book?
A. After my injury, I received a lot of different information that wasn't helpful. I wanted to help people in my situation by giving practical advice on everything from chairs and cars to dating. I also wanted to share with the world my story and how one person has affected it so much.
He has turned it up side down. I also did it for Alan; the guy was unbelievable. He definitely matched my enthusiasm, we both had a zest for life that I'm starting to get back, but it was definitely stalled for a bit, because of everything that happened. We did things together that made us really happy.
I'm sort of in the process of figuring out what makes me really happy. I debated for a long time if I wanted this drunk driving message to be one of my lifelong goals. People asked me if I really wanted to focus on this for my whole life. It is sort of what I've been given. I'm embracing this message that I can hopefully strongly deliver.
Q. Before your accident you were a triathlete and extremely passionate about athletics, are you still?
A. I don't like to call it an accident; we'll call it an injury. My legs meant everything to me; my legs were my life. Swimming, biking, running - running was the best thing. I'm still trying to search for that endorphin fulfillment. I have a hand cycle to ride around the neighborhood that I love, it gives me a similar feeling that biking did, but it will never be the same.
Q. In 2008, after entering an essay contest you were selected to be a torchbearer for the Olympics. What was that like?
A. Oh, it was crazy. It was so much fun. A woman wrote to my Web site asking me to apply. Thirty essays were chosen from 200 entries, and they took me.
Q. You give speeches to students and groups throughout California, what do you usually cover?
A. Mostly drunk driving to high school, junior high, and elementary schools. I've also done speeches about perseverance. I've also spoke to a Santa Rosa school on bike safety week. They really wanted to stress the importance of wearing a helmet when riding.
I tell them that they wouldn't have heard this story if I hadn't been wearing a helmet. The helmet saved my life. I also speak at adaptive PE conferences and with therapists at Sacramento State that are getting their PT (physical therapy) license on therapies that have worked for me and that everyone is different - you can't assume that something you read about will work. I speak to California Highway Patrol cadets about how they are ones that can make a difference by keeping drunk drivers off the road.
Q. You have a Masters in Communications and I read on your blog that you were looking into other areas that you feel more passionate about. Have you found that new calling?
A. People keep asking me when I'm going to write my next book. For some reason people like my voice, it's just me talking, not something fancy or artistic, I'm just talking. Writing has always been in my repertoire of things.
Q. Through all of this, what surprised you the most about yourself?
A. I still keep getting hit with setbacks, but in some odd way, I'm able to pull through them. I attribute that to my family. My upbringing gave me the strength to get through what I have and break through the disappointment.
Q. Could you explain a little more about your family and how important they have been?
A. My family has always been very close, and if that's possible, this has brought us closer. It all comes down to how my parents, my brother and I have always had open lines of communication. My brother has been my best friend and that closeness really helped me.
Q. What is your message to women around the world?
A. Be an advocate, don't sit by and let someone drink and drive. That applies to everything in life; stand up for yourself.
See Jane Do is a multimedia program capturing the stories of everyday women doing extraordinary things for the planet. Catch the one-hour talk radio program on KVMR 89.5FM the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.seejanedo.com.
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