Irish Clodagh Cogley was on the balcony that collapsed in California last week - killing six of her friends, and leaving her paralysed from the waist down. But she's determined not to let it ruin her life...
It's been almost a week and a half since a balcony at Berkeley University in California collapsed, killing six students in their early 20s. And while their families and friends struggle to come to terms with their deaths, Clodagh Cogley - who was on the balcony at the time too - has been recovering in hospital.
But despite suffering from a broken spinal cord, seven broken bones, and severe emotional trauma, Clodagh is determined to remain positive. Posting for the first time on Facebook since the balcony collapse, she explained that she intends to live 'the happiest and most fulfilling life possible' - and urges others to do the same.
It's so inspirational, the post has been liked over 50,000 times and shared by more than 13,000 people. But to be honest, we can't do Clodagh justice by just describing what she wrote.
So you should read the full thing for yourself:
CLODAGH'S POST: 'Hey friends, just an update to let you guys know how I'm getting on (slowly catching up with the individual messages I promise!) The fall from the balcony left me with 2 collapsed lungs, a broken shoulder, a broken knee, 5 broken ribs and a broken spinal cord... Meaning the chances of me using my legs again are pretty bleak.
'Not the best odds but I'm moving to a great rehabilitation centre here in San Francisco for 2 months (it has dog therapy ❤) and intend to give it everything I've got. Who knows maybe legs have been holding me back all these years and I'll realise my talent for wheelchair basketball
The thing I'm taking from this tragedy is that life is short and I intend to honour those who died by living the happiest and most fulfilling life possible. Enjoy a good dance and the feeling of grass beneath your feet like it's the last time because in this crazy world you never know when it might be.'
