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Canadian Lisa Franks was a Paralympian, a title she wore with pride. Her journey in athletics began with a spinal cord injury at fourteen, but it quickly turned into a winning narrative. Before her injury, she was very active, a true athlete at heart. Introduced to wheelchair sports by visiting Paralympians, she was inspired and determined. She started with wheelchair rugby for fun, which then led her to wheelchair racing. Under the guidance of her coach, also a Paralympic wheelchair racer, she excelled rapidly. By 1999, she was breaking world records and in 2000, she competed in her first Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, returning home with four gold and one silver medal.
Her proudest achievement, she recalled, was in 2004, achieving the “world record sweep” by setting world records from the 100-meter race to the marathon. At the Athens Paralympics, she secured two gold medals and set two world records. Despite her success, she constantly sought new challenges, eventually transitioning to wheelchair basketball and attending her third Paralympics in Beijing, China.
Yet, as injuries took a toll on her shoulder, she faced a different kind of challenge. Forced to undergo multiple surgeries, she grappled with chronic pain for seven years. During this dark period, Lisa reevaluated her life. She realized she needed a change, something to reignite her passion and bring joy back into her life.
That change came in the form of van life. Initially, it was a way to escape the harsh winters of Saskatchewan. In 2019, after a tough year marked by personal losses and with a harsh winter looming, she built a bed in her SUV and headed to Southern California. The trip, intended to last four months, was cut short by the pandemic, but it sparked something within her. She felt healthier and happier being outdoors and living on the road. Lisa transformed her SUV into a home on wheels, and later upgraded to a camper van.
Travelling solo, she equipped her van with everything she needed to live independently. She was no stranger to challenges, but this time they were different. Navigating the logistics of accessible travel, finding suitable campsites, and managing her physical needs were all part of her new adventure.
Sharing her journey on social media as @keepinitwheel306, Lisa found a new community and purpose. Initially a private person, she opened up about her experiences, providing valuable information to others with disabilities interested in van life. The feedback was overwhelming. Messages poured in from people inspired by her journey, grateful for the insights she provided.
“Social media has been a game-changer for me,” Lisa explained. “It’s connected me with so many people and allowed me to share important information about accessibility.”
One of her key messages is the importance of making things accessible from the start. Whether it’s a trailhead or a campground, accessibility benefits everyone. Her journey aims to inspire others to see the possibilities and challenge their own limits.
Lisa’s approach to solo travel is meticulous yet flexible. She uses resources like Google Maps and the iOverlander app to find accessible facilities and campsites. Her itinerary follows the seasons, avoiding extreme weather and ensuring a comfortable journey. This flexibility allows her to enjoy spontaneous adventures, like the time she planned to go surfing but ended up paragliding in the desert with friends.
“Every day is a challenge, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties,” Lisa said. “I’ve built a supportive community on the road, and that makes all the difference.”
Living on the road also meant prioritizing self-care. Managing chronic pain and maintaining a healthy lifestyle were crucial. Lisa found that being active and outdoors helped her manage pain better than being confined to an office. Her lifestyle was a balance of activity and rest, allowing her to thrive despite her physical challenges.
“My goals are to continue being happy and healthy,” Lisa shared. “I want to inspire others to live their best lives and to challenge themselves.”
Looking ahead, Lisa envisions a future where she continues to inspire through her adventures, providing valuable information and encouragement to others. She hopes to leave a legacy of exploration and accessibility, showing what’s possible for people of all abilities.
In the world of Paralympic sports, she hopes to be remembered for introducing people to the benefits of being active and supporting them in recreational activities. In the nomadic community, she aims to leave a legacy of information and inspiration, encouraging others to push their boundaries and embrace new adventures. From a champion Paralympian to a solo traveller living her best life on the road, Lisa embodies the spirit of living limitless, showing that with determination and adaptability, anything is possible.
Follow Lisa’s van life adventures on @KeepinitWheel306. Instagram and YouTube.