Karen Trolan
(Author)Karen Trola was 51, piloting a plane out of Truckee, CA, and she crashed with 3 passengers. Everyone survived, but it left Karen in a wheelchair. However, not only did Karen survive, but she thrives as a paraplegic woman... as a professional woman in real estate, as an avid world traveler, and as an active sports fanatic, adapting each sport to accommodate her paralysis. She water skis, goes canoeing and horseback riding with her husband Steve, rides 4-wheelers, snorkels, is an award-winning martial arts expert, coaches soccer, and gives back to her community in a variety of ways. She is indeed unstoppable! Her favorite saying is, "I can still do it!" And she finds ways to do everything except deep sea diving, and she would do that if the doctors would let her!!
This book. I CAN STILL DO IT! is her personal story, a motivational read with 53 photos to give visuals to her moving account. With a huge support system, determination, creativity, and ahistory of physicality, she inspires everyone who knows her or knows of her. Here is what many people in her life have to say about her and this book:
***A Horrifying Crash... Amazing Lady!
***Karen Trolan is a fighter, survivor, teacher and friend. After a
horrifying crash she continues to define courage and passion and has the
ability to change people's lives with her will power and love. Amazing
lady! Jeff Barnett, VP & REGIONAL MANAGER, Alain Pinel Realtors(R),
Los Gatos, CA, CAR Director for Life - NAR Hall of Fame, Realtor(R) of
the Year 1998 & 2008
***Recommending this Book to Every Patient
***Inspirational!!! This book shows the power of faith, determination,
and the importance of taking personal accountability for one's decisions
in how to live his/her life. I'm recommending this book to every patient
of mine and anyone who has encountered a setback and wants to turn it
into a comeback! Dr. James Lu, PT, DPT, LAc, Dipl. OM, OCS, MTC,
CSAS
***Inspirational Journey of Hope and Grit
***For close to 20 years I have had the privilege of knowing and working
with Karen Trolan in the crazy world of California real estate. Compared
to the rest of us mere mortals, Karen is a nova that never dims - she
has always done more in less time (and generally with more heart) than
anyone I have ever known.
Karen's love for skiing and flying led to a horrific accident that could
have destroyed her life; however, it only served to strengthen her
resolve to be the best wife, mother, REALTOR(R) and ultimately the best
person that any of us could ever hope to be. The determination and love
in the Trolan family is a wonder to behold. Karen's book is an
inspirational journey of hope and grit - like Karen it stands as a
testament to everyone that we should never give up on our dreams simply
because of a nightmare. I CAN STILL DO IT! is a must read for
anyone who needs a role model to guide them along a difficult life path.
Victoria B. Naidorf, J.D., Broker Risk Management
***Never Giving Up
***Yep, it's a great story about life and passion and never giving up.
Inspirational. Shihan Russ Rhodes, 10th Degree Black Belt (Martial
Arts Instructor) plus four other Black Belts
***Double Down on Determination
***By nature, people are pessimistic, even in the most optimistic of
positions. I have never known anyone with more grit and enthusiasm for
life than Karen. Her disabling circumstances have only pushed her to
double down on her determination to succeed at everything she desires to
do. Her authentic insights will richly bless those who read her story.
Mike Hulme, President of Alain Pinel Realtors, Silicon Valley
***Encourages Us All
***A brave friend and student, Martial Artist Karen Trolan was a pilot
of a small plane and in a plane crash. Her horrific injuries included
paraplegia, but she had faith and never gave up hope. Her inspiring
story encourages us all that we can do it. The author addresses the
determination, stamina, courage and compassion of oneself facing a
life-threatening condition. A definite read.
Samuel Kwok, Grandmaster Wing Chun, Qi Gong, Instructor, Author of
TRADITIONAL WOODEN DUMMY and MASTERING WING CHUN
***Persistence and Grit
***When I first worked with Karen on horseback in an arena at a
therapeutic riding center after her accident, I pointed to a trail high
on a hill and said "If you work hard at this, we'll be riding up there
someday." She and her husband now own horses of their own, plus a truck
and trailer, and they camp and ride on many such trails in beautiful
parks throughout California. Persistence and grit. Karen personifies
both. Niki Lamb
***Captivating Journey
***Karen is uniquely gifted with determination and grace, to not just
live but to thrive and to inspire all those around her. Now her story
will bring hope and inspiration to the thousands that read her
captivating journey following a life-changing plane crash. Mark
Keirstead, Co-Founder and Executive Director, One Step Closer
Therapeutic Riding
***An Inspiration in My Life
***Karen's return to our patrol team has truly been an inspiration in my
life. After two decades of professional ski patrolling I have seldom
witnessed the courage and strength that she brings to the mountain every
time she puts on her cross. From the summit of Mt. Pluto to greeting our
guests at mid mountain, she embodies the true spirit of what it means to
be a patroller. Forrest Philpot, Northstar California Ski Patrol
Director
***Courage and Tenacity
***Karen is tenacious and has an amazing human spirit. She has worked
through her challenges and prevailed. She is the same positive and
active person I have known for nearly forty years. Observing Karen on a
personal level after the accident, I saw this was not an easy process,
yet she fought through the pain and all the medical setbacks. If you
desire inspiration and need encouragement to get through the day, this
is the book for you. Let Karen's journey help you improve your life and
show you how to be active while living life to its fullest. She is
inspirational to all of us at any level, proving the human spirit is
stronger than the physical.
Every time I talk to Karen I am inspired and empowered. Her courage and tenacity are contagious. Her book will improve your life no matter your situation. Holly Vargas
***Life Is What You Make of It.
***Absolutely amazing, Karen's story from the accident to where she is
today is truly inspiring. Every challenge that was thrown her way has
been overshadowed by her accomplishments. Her dedication to family and
God proves to all of us that LIFE is what you make of it. Vince
Arthur, Director of Base Area Operations, Heavenly Mtn Resort
***A Warrior, an Inspiration, and a Hero
*Karen Trolan is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She is
a warrior, an inspiration, and a hero. By reading her book we can all
learn about overcoming the impossible, through faith and endurance. I
love this woman for who she is and what she has accomplished. Her book,
I CAN DO IT! is an inspirational must-read. Cynthia Rothrock,
Action Film Star (55 credits) and Producer (7 credits), Martial Arts
Instructor (5 Black Belts), Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame,
Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame, and the International Sports Hall of
Fame