In this "Community Spotlight Edition" of "Ask the Expert," Landy Thomas of SRNA spoke with Cindy Ranii about living with transverse myelitis (TM). Cindy described her diagnostic journey, rehabilitation, accessibility, and financial challenges [00:53]. She discussed returning to work briefly before retiring, emphasizing the importance of support, love, and community [08:51]. Cindy shared her path from wheelchair tennis to international wheelchair table tennis, and her pursuit of Paralympic qualification through point-based global competition [13:17]. She also discussed writing and self-publishing her book, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, inspired by family memories and her experience with TM [31:58].

Cindy Ranii is a 79-year-old retired educator who lives with her wife Shelly and service dog Hollis in Santa Cruz, California. In 2005, her life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (TM). Within four days, she went from golfing, playing tennis, and working vigorously as the Superintendent of a local high school district to being a paraplegic (T-3 complete).

Six months after her diagnosis she was back at work, using a wheelchair fulltime. Eighteen months later she decided to retire to have enough energy to enjoy her family (four children and 13 grandchildren) and to rebuild an active lifestyle. She competed in wheelchair tennis and then pursued table tennis with her eyes on the Paralympics. Currently she is training to compete in the 2028 LA Paralympics in wheelchair table tennis, saying, “My quest is to be the oldest Paralympian in history. It’s a long shot; but why not!”

Cindy has written numerous articles regarding living with a disability for New Mobility Magazine and authored a memoir, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, which is available through Amazon:

https://rebrand.ly/cindy-ranii

00:00 Welcome

00:53 Cindy's Diagnosis Overview

01:37 Early Symptoms and ER Rush

06:07 Hospital Transfer and TM Diagnosis

08:51 Rehab Reality and New Life

11:27 Accessibility Costs and Support

13:17 Paralympic Table Tennis Quest

17:52 Disability Community and Pride

20:25 Finding Resilience Through Sport

22:34 Mentors and New Athletic Path

28:27 Work Return Then Retirement

31:58 Writing Her Memoir

37:09 Closing Reflections