Lindsey Freysinger
2023 Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage Honoree
Look up determined, perseverance, unbreakable lemonade in the dictionary and you’re bound to come across the name Lindsey Freysinger. Lindsey wasn’t born Quadzilla. She became Quadzilla in 2013, following “the accident”: a horrific crash, in which she flipped her truck seven times and changed her life forever. Imagine the instantaneous, immediate transition from full health and fast-track success to incomplete quadriplegic.
Lindsey’s paradigm shifted dramatically upon impact. Reflecting on the arc of her past decade, Lindsey identified 3 words to best describe her journey: difficult, enlightening, and joyous. Imagine getting two college degrees (a masters and a doctorate in Nursing Practice) from the University of Michigan—while commuting from Oregon. All of this, following rigorous physical and occupational therapy to build the stamina and endurance and confidence to navigate and operate life seated on—and controlling—a wheelchair, full-time.
Lindsey Freysinger is an overcomer who refuses to back down from challenges and obstacles, and she has a zest for life. No pity parties, here. Together with her husband, Mike, and 3 dogs, 1 ball python, 10 chickens, and 1 rooster, Lindsey cultivates the life she seeks to live and learn from: one immersed in nature and respectful of the earth. Tearing up the trails of Mount Hood, Oregon—through mud or snow—on her custom all-terrain 4×4 wheelchair, Lindsey transforms into “Tank Girl”—the ever adventurous compassionately curious advocate, mentor, and activist.
Paying it forward with her time, experience, and connections with organizations, Lindsey serves individuals seeking assistance navigating disability, chronic illness, and patient rights-related issues. Making lemonade is one thing, but filling up the cups of others—that’s priceless.
Submitted by Jason Kaye, Lindsey’s friend