Customer Stories

“I was injured on August 25th, 1993, one week before starting my freshmen year in high school.  I broke my neck in a ‘for fun’ dive that went awry, the water was too shallow on White Bear Lake.” Tiffiny Carlson begins to tell us her story.  “I broke my C5 and C6 vertebras on impact, crushed them actually, and my friends had no idea what had happened. They didn’t come to my rescue right away, I couldn’t move a thing except my neck, so I was just lying there face down in the water. They just thought I was doing the ‘Dead Man‘s Float’ but I was drowning, I thought I was going to die.” She continues, “Luckily, my aunt was there at the same beach that day and resuscitated me. I awoke 5 minutes later, coughing up a gallon of lake water. So I was sent straight to Ramsey Hospital, had a major neck fusion surgery, and was in the
hospital until Thanksgiving.”

Courage During Change
Tiff started her freshmen year much later that year and definitely not in the body she expected or was use to. At first she had a hard time dealing with this major change, “I suffered from major depression the first three years.” Then things started to turn around, “Once I hit 16 and met other disabled peers at Camp Courage, I slowly started to believe my injury wasn’t the end of a decent life. Meeting other people like me who were living life, dating, looking cute, driving cars, etc, all from their wheelchairs, was exactly what I needed to be exposed to."

Meeting EasyStand
We first met Tiff in 1998 when she did a photo shoot for us in the EasyStand 6000 Glider. Mark Haen, our long time photographer remembers, “Tiff was fun to photograph, she is a spunky blonde with a great attitude.” Tiff owns an EasyStand 2400, an older model adult standing frame that has since been discontinued. Today Altimate Medical offers the EasyStand Evolv standing system. To this day Tiffiny still uses the same EasyStand standing frame, "I got my stander in 1994, that’s 15 years ago and not ONCE has it needed a single repair. Amazing really." Over the years Tiff’s standing schedule has seen its ups and downs, "My standing time has varied depending on my life at the time, college, work, etc. I stand at least once a week, I try to do it more!”

More Energy After Standing
Standing benefits different people in different ways. Tiff found that standing increased her energy level and more, “Every time I stand I can tell my leg muscles are looser and as a result, less spastic. I also feel energized after standing. This, to me, is the best part!” In addition to the physical benefits, standing can also enhance ones self-esteem. “It makes me pleased with my body knowing that I can still stand after all these years of being paralyzed. Plus, it's fun to show-off my height, I'm 5'10'' to my friends.” Tiff says.

Support From PCA’s
Tiff has morning and evening Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s) to help her with some daily activities. She explains, “They help with dressing, bathing, house cleaning....and they help me transfer in/out of my standing frame.” Tiff admits that standing while her PCA’s are there and keeping occupied, can be a challenge. “Sometimes when I'm in my standing frame I get restless. I'll try to use my laptop, and do, but usually I get dizzy and can't, then I watch TV instead.”

Advocate for Funding
It is very important to take an active role when trying to obtain funding for medical equipment like standing frames through insurance. Tiffiny eventually got her stander paid for by Minnesota Medical Assistance, but it wasn't easy. She explains, “My grandfather was my outspoken advocate back in 1994, eventually the state caved and decided to pay for it.” Funding is available, be aware of funding alternatives and resources and be prepared to appeal if denied.

Beauty Ability
Beautyability.com is Tiffiny’s personal website where she writes about everything from dating advice to staying fit to wheelchair fashion and shopping. "I’m like a disabled version of Carrie Bradshaw!" Tiff says. You will find this title is actually very fitting. Tiff’s YouTube page has some unique beauty videos with some great tips on applying makeup with limited ability.

Passionate About Writing
Tiffiny has been a freelance writer, specializing in the genre of disability, since her early days at Augsburg College. She began her career writing for Halftheplanet.com, and since, Tiffiny has acquired two regular columns: The "SCI Life" column, which is in New Mobility magazine each month, and "Tiff's Corner," for Lovebyrd.com (a disability and dating site). She is also a regular blogger on Disaboom.com and the EasyStand Blog.

Tiffiny is a regular contributing writer to both United Spinal's Action magazine and Kids on Wheels magazine. She's also been published in Playgirl magazine, Nerve.com, ThisAbled.com, ICan.net, and many more. Lastly, Tiffiny is the host of the "No Free Rides" podcast for Xable.com. Her podcast highlights issues important to women with disabilities.  

Hobbies and Pets
Tiff lives independently in a condo in downtown Minneapolis. She also has some fabulous companions that live with her, "I have two cats who live with me, Daphne and Pixie. Daphne is a rescue cat, very old, and Pixie is a snazzy 2 year old cat I got as a kitten."

When hanging out with her friends she enjoys many hobbies. "I love cooking, thrift store
shopping, sci-fi conventions, throwing theme parties, movies, and concerts." Tiff says. Just from taking a look at her website you can tell that she always has a great time, especially with her many costumes!

It’s Been a Long Time Standing
Tiffiny went from being a newly injured quadriplegic who was not sure what life had in store for her, to being a strong successful woman and role model for others living with a disability.  She definitely has great advice to offer on fashion, dating and much more. So what is Tiff’s advice on standing after doing it for over fifteen years, “The best thing I can say to people out there who are curious as to why they should even stand, if they can't walk: Because you'll feel energized and happier afterwards!”  

Visit Tiff's Website "Beautyability.com"
Watch Videos on Tiff’s YouTube Page
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