Megan King’s life took a dramatic turn at age 16 when a fall during football caused internal decapitation, a rare and deadly injury where the skull separates from the spine internally, with a high fatality rate.
Her accident damaged many parts of her body, including her spine and shoulders. Over many surgeries, doctors couldn’t understand why her recovery was so difficult. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2015 that the picture became clearer.
She was placed in a halo brace after emergency neck surgery, but when the brace was removed too early, her skull detached internally. Megan recalled the chaos, with her neurosurgeon physically holding her skull to keep it in place as she lost control of her body and couldn’t move her head.
Following many more surgeries and a fused spine from skull to pelvis, Megan’s movement is limited, but her energy and spirit are unyielding. She calls herself “a human statue” but continues to embrace life.
Recently, she joyfully played bowling again after many years and bowled a strike on her first try, a testament to her resilience and the support of her friends.
Megan’s story inspires hope, showing how courage and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
