As the page grows beyond what we could have ever imagined, there are many questions about Tar's injury, diagnosis, background, who runs the page etc. The purpose of "Taran Strong" is to document her journey and recovery, and to bring hope and inspiration to others facing their own struggles. There are legal restrictions in place prohibiting ongoing discussion regarding her family situation and we ask that everyone respect that. "Welcome to Taran Strong (formerly Tar's Road to Recovery). What started as a way to record her progress, has turned into a beautiful, loving community of support - individuals caring for each other. The page is run collaboratively with close friends of Tar, who are page admins. She provides the video and photographic content, and some of the quotes and inspirational messages. While many posts are made and responded to by her team, she "IS" the page. Without her as the backbone of this loving community, it would not exist. The background of what happened to Taran, and set her on this journey, is explained below. In September 2020, Taran was preparing for an upcoming move to South Carolina with her family. She and three of her four children were involved in horrific car accident, the impact of which was astronomical. The accident tragically took the life of her 3 year old daughter, and the driver of the other vehicle, who was also a beautiful mother. Tar deals with the complex emotions relating to the accident privately, in therapy. We don't speak often of the other driver, not because we don't care, but because her story, and her family's story is not Taran's to tell. We all think about and pray for her family, often. Two of Tar's other children were also injured in the accident. Thankfully, they have recovered from their physical injuries. Tar survived - barely. She was paralyzed from the neck down and hanging onto life, with a frontal lobe traumatic brain injury, too. She "died" multiple times and each time, the medical team brought her back. She has to believe that God had a purpose for keeping her on this earth and that thought is one that has helped her grow spiritually, too. Micki Valentine's loss on that awful day, is one that sometimes seems impossible to recover from. She would have turned 8 in February of 2025. Though she is missed intensely each and every day, we can only imagine the joys she brings to others in Heaven. Her heart full of love and zest for life was infectious. Micki's memory motivates Tar very day to get better, be better and do better – words we should all live by. Her ultimate diagnosis was incomplete C2-C5 tetraplegia (quadriplegic), with a frontal lobe traumatic brain injury, along with other injuries (open fractures, perforated bowel). She was not expected to walk again, let alone function in the way she is today. While her daily challenges often feel like climbing a mountain, she pushes through, with the ultimate goal being independent function and living. Taran lives alone with her pup, and with the help of part time caregivers, in an apartment in Orange County, California. Her focus is on healing, both physically and mentally from the trauma of the last few years. She takes inspiration every day from people around the world who have reached out to her with love, kindness, and HOPE. There aren’t enough words to convey how wonderful her medical team are. Her nurse, Kim, her CNA, Dani, her neuro trainers (PT), Josh and Jason, her OT, Margie, her trauma therapist Dr. O, neurologist, psychiatrist - all wonderful people who have literally transformed her life. SO many friends surround her with love and care and she is eternally grateful to you all. This page exists for one reason, and one reason alone. To thank everyone, and to give back. Together, we are working on launching a foundation in 2025, helping families who have suffered similar traumas. She is SUCH a bright light, and wants to shine that light on others and help them find their way, too. It has inspired her to hear how her journey is encouraging others not to give up, or to give them strength while battling their own health issues. As Tar herself has stated – she is grateful to be alive to see this next chapter be written and for you to be a part. Live, laugh, drink water and (her beloved Micki's nickname). Favorite Quotes
“And so I wait. I wait for time to heal the pain and raise me to me feet once again - so that I can start a new path, my own path, the one that will make me whole again.” Jack Canfield
"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us". Helen Keller
“Three routes to healing:
1. You must let the pain visit.
2. You must allow it to teach you.
3. You must not allow it to overstay.”
― Ijeoma Umebinyuo
As soon as healing takes place, go out and heal somebody else.”
― Maya Angelou
