Katie Jackson was a happy, active 35-year-old in 2015 when she got devastating news: She had an aggressive form of cancer. Twenty days later, her right leg was amputated.
Jackson regrouped. She hopes to make the U.S. equestrian team for the 2020 Paralympic Games.
The Austin, Texas, resident is training in New Jersey this summer with Diesel, a 15 year-old Oldenburg gelding, under the guidance of top international dressage competitor Catherine Haddad Staller.
Jackson shared her message of hope and perseverance in Morristown this week at Suzi’s Salon, where she is friends with fellow cancer survivor Cheryl Beneduce Bock, co-founder of Pedal for a Cure.
“For me it’s a weird thing to say, but the gifts that I’ve received from this journey, and from being diagnosed with cancer and going through this have been enormous. I wouldn’t wish this on my greatest enemy–but I still am so thankful,” said Jackson, who is the U.S. Para-Dressage Team traveling reserve for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
Three years ago, she had a thriving dentistry practice and a great life in Texas with her husband, horses and puppies when she started having difficulty jogging. She felt fatigued. There was pain in her right leg.
At first, her doctor suspected arthritis. Jackson iced her knee. Over a period of months, physical activity became too taxing.
“I finally got to a point where I couldn’t push forward anymore,” Jackson recounted, describing what felt like a super ball behind her knee.
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Katie Jackson reflects on her journey. Video by Bill Lescohier for MorristownGreen.com:
‘MAKE TIME NOW’
A trip to the oncologist yielded her life-changing diagnosis.
“You’re faced with that… and I hear people saying, ‘I don’t think I could ever do that, I don’t think I’d be strong enough.’ When you’re there, you just are,” Jackson said.
That’s not to say it’s easy adjusting to life with a 10-pound prosthetic leg. But life throws challenges at everyone, said the California native.
“Sometimes it’s (reminding yourself) 50 times in an hour, to look at the bright side, or look at the positive, or tell yourself you’re going to get through it.
“That was a decision I made early on. And you’re kind of looking, if I go this way it’s a really dark tunnel, and it’ll just keep going. Or I’m going to go the other way and keep pushing forward.
“It’s not going to be easy either way. But it’s a whole lot more fun to be positive and smile and that was how I pushed through.”
On rough days, she said, keep pushing forward. Tomorrow will be a little better. And know that terrible ordeals can bring unexpected gifts:
“I wouldn’t be standing here with you amazing people and getting to do the things that I’m doing with my riding,” if not for her recovery, Jackson said.
“It’s given me a huge perspective. Think of what makes you tick, the things that you’re passionate about, and make time for them now–because you don’t always know.”
Morristown Green correspondent Bill Lescohier contributed to this report.