Another Bucket List Item Checked Off! What a View!

"This summer, I was able to check off another beach and a major bucket list item! I visited the beautiful Miramar Beach and finally went parasailing—something I had dreamed of doing for years but hadn’t been healthy enough to try since being diagnosed with AS. After my last spinal surgery and a near-death experience, I made a promise to myself: no more excuses. From now on, I’ll say yes to the memories and experiences that make life extraordinary.

I had forgotten just how much I can accomplish when I set my stubborn mind to it. Parasailing was magical—I felt like I was flying, weightless like a bird, surrounded by peace and quietness. I wasn’t sure how my spinal surgeon would feel about it, but I figured asking for forgiveness later was better than asking for permission! Letting go of my worries about how this might affect my AS was one of the best decisions I’ve made because the memory of that flight will stay with me forever.

On tough days—when pain flares up or insurance battles test my patience—I can look back on this video and smile, remembering how I overcame the hardest fight of my life to survive and soar. I’ve realized that the only person standing in my way is me—not this disease, not my family, friends, or doctors. Just me.

I refuse to hold myself back any longer. There’s so much life left to live after losing my young adulthood and 30s to AS. I’ve attached two videos—one shorter clip set to Kerli’s empowering song Walking on Air, a perfect reminder that believing in yourself can make anything possible, and the full-length parasailing video (camera mishap included for laughs!). Turn up the volume for some lighthearted fun.

Never be afraid to try something new, even with AS. You might just create one of your most cherished memories.

—Ivy

Kerli's Walking on Air Apple Music link

#Bucketlist #ASWarrior #LivingMyBestLife #IGotThis #BeautifulLife #ROSI #7SpinalSurgeries #4SpinalFusions #DrPhilipGPloska #BeatingTheOdds #SlayingLife #Badass"