In the summer of 1967, Joni (pronounced Johnny) Eareckson Tada was a normal seventeen year old, who had just left high school and was waiting to go to university. She was healthy and athletic. She loved sports like show-jumping and lacrosse. At school, she had been captain of the lacrosse team. She had many friends both at school and at her church.

That summer was very hot and Joni used to go swimming every day in the sea with her sisters. One day, Joni dived into the sea, where the water was too shallow. She struck her head against a rock and broke her neck. Her sisters managed to save her from drowning and she was rushed to hospital.

At hospital, the doctors discovered that Joni was paralysed. She had an operation, but there was nothing that could be done for her. She would never regain the use of her arms or legs.

For almost six months, Joni had to lie face-down on a special frame. During this time, she prayed that God would heal her body, but no such miracle happened. Despite this, Joni didn't stop praying, asking God to help her improve. Eventually, she did start to make progress. With help, she was able to sit up in bed and to use an electric wheel chair. She learned to write with a pencil in her mouth. Then she was taught to paint in the same way.

In the beginning, Joni gave her paintings to her friends. But, after a while, other people wanted to buy them. Joni became a famous artist. She wrote a book about her life which became a best seller and has been translated into more than thirty languages. Her book was made into film with Joni playing herself.

With the money she earned from her work, Joni started a charity, to help people with physical disabilities. This charity now works in many different countries throughout the world. In her own country, Joni is very famous. She has her own radio show and advises the government on things which are important to people with physical disabilities. In Britain, Joni's charity is called 'Through the Roof'.

God didn't heal Joni's body. But she never stops thanking Him for all the good things which He has done for her since her accident.