Elizabeth Mathews, 15, has been through more in her life than most teenagers.

Paralyzed at five years old, she started swimming as part of her physical therapy, and it quickly became her passion.

Shes proving that anyone can overcome anything that life throws at them.

I was hit by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the highway, Mathews said.

She cant remember much from that horrible night in June of 2016.

I dont think it really set in until I woke up, and I couldnt feel anything.

She was left paralyzed from the chest down.

Okay, this doesnt feel right, she said. I think it hit when I got into a wheelchair for the first time. This is the new normal, apparently.

Now a freshman at Gibbs High School, Mathews has found her passion swimming.

It kind of makes me feel like Im a normal

See Full Page