Today we’d like to introduce you to Zalia Oliva.
Hi Zalia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In April 2024, my life changed in an instant when I was involved in a deadly car crash caused by a drunk driver. He was three times the legal limit, going at least 85mph in a residential area, and we caught air when hitting a curb and crashed into a cynderblock wall of someone’s house, then the car tipped and hit there house. There were six of us packed into a two-door car when the crash happened. My boyfriend, Shane Johnson, and a friend, Aiden Ellis, both lost their lives in the crash. I spent three months in the hospital, including an entire month in a coma, fighting for my life. What made the experience even more heartbreaking was that I didn’t learn Shane and Aiden had passed away until nearly two months after the crash. Waking up to a completely different reality was something I can hardly put into words. As a result of my injuries, I was left paralyzed from the chest down, and doctors were unsure of what my future would look like. Since then, my life has become centered around recovery, resilience, and rebuilding. I’ve gone through countless hours of physical therapy and continue to travel around the world seeking the best rehabilitation treatments possible. Although the journey has been incredibly difficult, I’ve fought for every small victory along the way. Today, I’ve regained bladder control, I’m able to move my feet and legs again, and I continue to make progress that once seemed impossible. Through everything — the grief, trauma, pain, and uncertainty, I’ve learned how powerful determination, faith, and support can be. My story is not only about surviving a tragic accident, but about refusing to let that tragedy define the rest of my life and what God had planned for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A lot of obstacles have come. I am paralyzed chest down and lost basically all of my ability to be able and independent. I can’t eat on my own, shower on my own, get dressed, go outside, all these simple life things now require assistance and help. I need 24/7 care to help with day to day simple things. Everything is an obstacle now, but I’m pushing my hardest to beat each and every one to be the most independent I can be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My goal in college was to become a phoenix police officer, work there till I am able to work my way up and work for LAPD SWAT. That was my goal for years. I worked with Phxpd in Arizona and would workout with them, to help get training in. It was a goal that is now lost
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory, is probably living in LA, and being surrounded by friends. My favorite memory is my mom’s friend who is in the military would come visit us when he could, and he would always play with their dolls and make us laugh.
Pricing:
- My hospital bills are up to $3 million
- One of my wheelchairs is at least $20k
- We just rented a house and have spent $20k on remodeling just for it to be accessible
- Traveling to Portugal cost around $14k each trip
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@zalia.oliva
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zalia_oliva
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zalia.oliva
