A Life Changing Blessing

All it takes is one blink, and your life may never look the same again. My name is Tamia Brown, also known as Miamoney. I’m a 25-year-old paraplegic music artist from Richmond, Virginia. Before I became paralyzed, I walked for 19 years. I didn’t live the fanciest life or have the best upbringing, but that never stopped my smile or my motivation.

At 19 years old, I was driving home from another city when I fell asleep due to exhaustion. I woke up in a panic and jerked the steering wheel, causing my car to lose traction during a storm. I was thrown from the vehicle and woke up in the woods, paralyzed.

I never asked, “Why me?” Instead, I asked, “Why wouldn’t it be me?” At first, I felt numb, but eventually I cried a cry I had never cried before. March 21, 2020, is the day I was reborn. I had to learn how to adjust and accept my new reality as a T4 paraplegic.

Becoming paralyzed made me realize this was a new life—new routines, new schedules, and relearning how to do everyday things like using the bathroom. I thought my dreams as a music artist were over, but so many people kept telling me, “Don’t give up.”

After my depressed and lonely days, I learned how to turn my pain into what I love: music. I began posting and filming my journey and spending more time in the studio, which eventually led me to become a content creator. Through the power of social media, I started meeting more and more people like me. People told me I was inspiring and motivating them, and I couldn’t understand how—because I felt so hurt and sad. But they saw that I wasn’t giving up, and that motivated them, which in turn motivated me to push even harder.

After losing friends and focusing fully on my music career, more opportunities began to appear. One door opened after another. People were amazed that I was in a wheelchair, chasing my dreams, and actually talented. I stayed consistent because it fueled me and helped me understand that I do have a purpose. My spinal injury wasn’t something that happened to me—it happened for me.

Today, I get paid for shows, TV appearances, and public performances. I also executive produce a TV show, all while traveling state to state and meeting my wheelchair family—people who have sustained similar injuries. Because if I can do it, so can you.

I never pictured myself being a content creator. I was strictly focused on music, but stepping into a new lane while still doing music taught me that I can do what I love while staying open-minded to things I never imagined myself doing. The old me would never dance in front of a camera. Now, I’m on TikTok doing trendy dances.

I learned that the old me is gone, and the new me is here and ready to try new things. I even ran for a pageant and placed 4th—something the old me would never have done. Now, I see life differently and no longer take moments for granted.

You can live a great life with this injury. Being open-minded and willing to try new things can be the fuel you need to adjust and find your inspiration. The old you might not have been into painting, exercising, or vlogging, but I’m living proof that finding the right hobbies will keep you motivated and moving forward.

You’d be surprised how many people are doing similar activities—especially within our community. Not only will it motivate you, but it will also help you build connections and friendships. I never thought I would have a wheelchair family. I didn’t even know there were so many people like me. The only way to find out is to test new (or old) hobbies and stay open-minded.

Tamia Brown, known as Miamoney, was born in New Jersey, raised in Richmond, VA since the age 1, and now resides in Atlanta. She’s a music artist, influencer,content creator, and event planner proving that paralysis didn’t stop her journey. She continues to push forward and inspire others every day.