Christian Barragan

Name: Christian Barragan

Date of Injury: 8/10/15

Level of Injury: C1-C7

Brief description of how you are injured or the type of illness:

I was enjoying a day at the beach with my girlfriend when I decided to take a plunge in the ocean. I did not realize that I was diving into a shallow area.

What type of assistance has Be Perfect Foundation provided for you and how has that helped regain an independent and active lifestyle?

The Be Perfect Foundation has helped me in many ways. They gave me a scholarship and now I’m able to stay in The Perfect Step program longer. I was in need of different medical supplies and they provided me with plenty of that too.

How has Be Perfect re-instilled hope back into your life again?

I come from a country where help for people in my situation is very rare. When I found out that I was getting a scholarship, my family and I cried because we couldn’t believe that B.P. didn’t even know us and they were helping me. I knew then that they're people who truly care.

How has The Perfect Step helped you, if applicable?

Coming to train here has become my priority and I want to do my best every time I’m here. The trainers encourage me mentally and physically and also give me the tools to do things on my own.

What are some goals that you have set for yourself that you are proud

to say that you have attained?

I have more control of movement when using my arms, stronger cord, as well as stronger legs. I am very motivated and grateful every day.

What are some goals for the future that you would like to attain that Be Perfect can help you achieve?

I would like to be completely independent, able to walk and work. I would like to one day be able to have my own family with children. I would also like to be an inspiration for others and share my story, my struggles but also let them know about how the help from B.P. made a huge difference in my life.

What was life like prior to your accident/illness and what were some of the fun activities that you enjoyed doing?

Before the accident I was a very active football player. I enjoyed going to the gym and stay in shape. I was able to obtain a football scholarship and attend culinary school. I graduated with honors and had a job at a local restaurant.

How has your accident/illness changed your mindset?

I value all aspects of life now, like family, my spiritual and mental strength as well.

Anything else that you would like to tell the donors or a simple thank you that you would like to give them?

I will always be grateful to the Be Perfect donors and I am a living testimony of how great the foundation is. I’ll tell my story to anyone who is in need of a great exercise program like TPS.