Hanane Hmada lives by a simple but powerful truth: “You can’t control the unknown, but you can control your mindset.” For Hanane, living with a spinal cord injury hasn’t been about surrendering to limitations—it’s been about finding new ways to thrive, grow, and live as independently and joyfully as possible.
“Just because you have a SCI doesn’t mean you get to be mean and negative,” Hanane says. “It’s up to you to work on your mindset and shift to a positive outlook. What do you have to gain from staying stuck in negativity?”
Over time, Hanane has come to understand that the biggest struggles are often not just physical—they’re mental. As her body changes and her physical abilities shift, she’s learned the importance of mental resilience and adaptability. “My body isn’t functioning the way I want it to. But I don’t feel old—so I have to shift my mindset to match how I feel, not just what’s physically happening.”
That shift in perspective was especially critical when Hanane’s trunk stability implant broke, requiring surgery. During recovery, she decided to undergo an additional procedure to receive a Mitrofanoff—an important step toward greater independence and improved quality of life. But with recovery came new challenges, including being unable to work out—something that deeply impacts her mental well-being.
“It’s tough,” she shares. “When you take a step backward and lose the ability to do what once helped you feel strong, the mental adjustment is even greater. It takes work to stay positive.”
Adding to the complexity has been the inconsistency of home aides. “There’s anxiety in having to teach people how to care for you, especially when they don’t have SCI experience. The support I receive from peers, friends, and my medical team has made a huge difference. Sometimes I go in to treat a UTI and leave with what feels like a therapy session.”
For Hanane, everything is mental. “What I tell my mind is what my reality becomes. I can convince myself to give up—or I can choose to keep pushing forward.”
That mindset also means staying open to new tools and resources. Recently, she discovered a ceiling Hoyer lift she could operate independently—a game-changer for her day-to-day life. “It’s now a top priority. It would give me so much more independence and peace of mind. I’ll always rely on others for some things, but with the right resources, I don’t have to rely on others for everything.”
Hanane also emphasizes the value of problem-solving. Whether it’s finding better travel accommodations or navigating day-to-day challenges, she refuses to give up when things don’t go as planned. A recent trip to Florida is a perfect example—cut short due to a commode chair that wasn’t safe. “I was planning to stay two weeks, and I left after four days. But I didn’t see that as a failure. Now I know that chair doesn’t work, and I’ll keep looking for a better solution.”
“Living a happy life with a SCI doesn’t mean there’s no struggle,” she says. “It means looking at those struggles as lessons, as problems to solve. For every fight, there is a solution—you just have to be willing to ask questions and try safe, new things. Redirect your thoughts, accept what is, and believe that you deserve a good life.”
Hanane’s outlook is one of relentless positivity, determination, and belief in what’s possible. Her story is a reminder that mindset isn’t just important—it’s everything.
