Nicole's Story: Paralyzed but not broken

CINCINNATI (Brad Underwood) -- Nicole Coburn's life got turned upside down after a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. But she's not one to give up. She's a fighter and the accident hasn't broken her spirit. It's exercises like picking up three cones; small victories but they keep Nicole Coburn focused. In the Health South Gym Coburn works on mobility and balance, transferring herself from a wheelchair to a bed. "Ive been doing a little more leaning over, getting over my fear of leaning forward because I'm scared I'm just going to fall over," said Nicole. You can see the grit, the fight in Nicole as she pulls her legs from the edge of the bed up onto it. They're daily tasks for the 23-year-old and people can see, she's not giving up, I'm paralyzed from here down now so I don't have any core strength anymore." The accident happened along I-71/75. Coburn was merging onto the highway. She said she remembers seeing yellow poles then overcorrected toward the right side. The accident report said her car hit a wire fence, then a raised manhole and landed in the construction site. Nicole said, They ended up telling me that flipped my car and it landed on the roof and I crawled out of my vehicle. I have no recollection of it." As a result of the crash, Coburn's spine was severed, now held together by rods and screws. Before the accident she worked two jobs and was devoted to yoga, mastering body control and core strength. Coburn said she was on her way to becoming a yoga instructor, I'm an active person, so losing my legs is probably one of the hardest things. Never thought I would go through something like this." Nicoles mom, Elizabeth Rabe, rarely leaves the hospital and says her daughters strength is inspiring, The physical therapy. That's what surprises me the most. She gets out here and works out. She works it and she's determined and we are going to join a gym and get her upper body strong." The road to recovery is long and Coburn will have major challenges for the rest of her life. But even after the life changing accident she's thinking of others. "When they told me, one of the first things I did say was God meant for this to happen so I can help other kids and people in this situation. And that's what I want to do." Nicoles family is making their home, wheelchair accessible. There's also a fundraising campaign to help pay for the ever growing medical bills. People can go to any branch of The Huntington Bank and ask to donate to Nicoles Smile. There is also a GoFundMe page you can access here. Follow Brad Underwood on Twitter @BUnderwoodWKRC, and LIKE him on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!