Vernon weightlifter beats paralysis

VERNON — Allie Wiseman of Vernon was paralyzed in a hospital bed 16 months ago. This month, she's going to the USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships.
Wiseman, 19, is driven to lift weights that would make other women or men wince.
"This sport really helps me," says the Vernon Township HS grad, who works out at Crossfit Warwick, Intrepid Strength & Conditioning.
After being paralyzed by transverse myelitis, which attacked her spine and left her unable to walk, family and friends rallied to help her.
Wiseman, who turns 20 on March 6, is modest about her accomplishments.
"I'm stronger than before the hospital," she says softly. She singles out her mother, Patti Lawson, stepfather Richard Lawson, twin sister, Paige, and boyfriend, Jimmy DiGioia, plus coaches Ryan Hansen and John Douglass, as the keys to her success.
"Crossfit is an amazing community," she says. "I'm very lucky," dismissing the crippling pins and needles that afflicted her arms, legs and feet.
The junior championships will be February 23 to 26 in Kansas City, Mo. She will compete in the 58 kg class (128 pounds).