Team Nat was formed in support of 19-year-old Natalie Buchoz, a lifelong Huntington Beach resident. On December 29, 2007, Nat was injured in a skiing accident and sustained a spinal cord injury at C5-C6 that rendered her paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors gave little hope in the beginning, saying Natalie most likely would never walk again.

A family member whose friend had suffered a similar injury while surfing recommended Project Walk to us, and we made an appointment the first week we were home from outpatient rehab 12 weeks post-injury. At that time Nat could only move her left big toe, which doctors assured us was most likely “spasticity”.

Since our initial visit at Project Walk over three years ago, Natalie has improved dramatically. On our first visit, Natalie resembled a spaghetti noodle with no core strength or balance and lots of pain. The feeling of hope and positive energy that drew us to Project Walk was overwhelming and caused us to abandon physical therapy.

Three years later, Natalie has regained what doctors promised would not happen – her ability to walk. She has hugely improved her core strength, has much better balance, and on most days, no pain. She has dedicated her recovery to those who have also been injured and serves as an inspiration to those who find this injury overwhelming and recovery futile.

Nattitude is her mantra. It means she’s a fighter. She loves to do the impossible, to defy the odds. Having Nattitude gives her the ability to persevere on a daily basis. Her smile infectious, her humor relentless, and her drive unstoppable. 

Without Project Walk there would be no partner in this recovery. Her trainers embraced Natalie’s special personality and fiery mindset and have given her the challenges needed for her to improve to the point where she is making the type of progress she needs to fully recover from her SCI. This method of treating SCI is advanced yet so simple it makes complete sense. Use or lose it… and work what isn’t working until you find the connection you need. We are forever in debt to our trainers and Ted Dardzinski at Project Walk. They set the pace and Natalie has set the goal. The Project Walk team has made it possible to survive this injury.

Unfortunately, the therapies that have been helping Nat's recovery are not covered by insurance. As a parent, you do everything you can for your children, and Nat’s parents are no different. In order for Nat to continue towards a full recovery, they are forced to look to the continued generosity of others for help.

By donating to Team Nat and participating in the 2nd Annual Steppin’ Up Nat Golf Tournament will raise funds to allow Nat to stay on her path to recovery. All proceeds raised will be used solely for Nat’s recovery going to her NTAF SW Spinal Cord Injury Fund.

On behalf of Team Nat, thank you so much for your support and helping make all the difference in Natalie’s life!