In the Spotlight: Justin Milligan
When you chat with Justin Milligan, a few things immediately stand out: his deep commitment to helping others as an attorney for domestic violence survivors, his love for the outdoors, and his companion, a cat named Neptune who loves walking on a leash and riding on his shoulders. A 20-foot fall while playing disc golf changed his physical reality, but it didn't slow his momentum. With a set of clear goals and an unshakable drive, Justin has spent the time since rebuilding his routine, rediscovering his passions, and leaning into the power of patience.
I caught up with Justin to talk about his journey, his secret mushroom-foraging spots, and how he keeps moving forward.
I’m so glad we get to chat! To kick things off, could you tell us about your diagnosis and how your injury happened?
I was diagnosed T10 complete, ASIA A, on March 18, 2025.
I was 57 when my wife and I went out on a weekday to play disc golf. We loved to play that game and we always had Neptune, our cat, with us. She took to a leash early on and she loved to walk or would sit on my shoulder while we played. I suppose I just didn't learn early enough not to take risks at my age because I tried climbing down an embankment to get to a disc that I had thrown off course. I misjudged a step and fell. I remember the misstep, but not until recently when it came to me after many nights thinking about what happened. I fell about 20 feet. I look back on my decision to try and climb down this embankment and think to myself, I've climbed down embankments like that my whole life. I suppose age or bad luck caught up to me because I fell. I don't remember getting injured. I don't remember the good people who cared for me or my wife discovering me lying askew on the road below in a puddle of blood. I just remember waking up the next evening in the ICU at Memorial Hospital and being told that I am paralyzed and that I had hit my head really hard.
Waking up in the hospital to that news must have been life-altering. How did you process everything in those early moments?
When I woke up, I almost immediately set some goals: 1) get back to work, 2) play disc golf again, 3) drive a vehicle again, and 4) stay in shape.
Having those four targets right away shows so much determination. How has the path toward hitting those goals looked so far?
My adventure to finding my new normal has not been without hiccups. I've had depression, learning how to care for my bowel and bladder process, realizing that my wife has severe PTSD from seeing me so injured, sadness at my loss of motor functions, and realizing that even shopping is something that I no longer can do completely on my own. However, I have accomplished all of my goals except playing disc golf again. That will change when I receive the all-terrain wheelchair that has been granted to me.
Staying in shape was one of those big four goals. How did NorCal SCI factor into your recovery and training?
I heard about NorCal SCI when I was at the Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center in Vallejo. It was suggested that I make sure to stay in shape and one way to do that was to train at SCI FIT in Petaluma. KFRC told me about a grant offered from NorCal SCI. I applied and received a grant for 6 months. I love SCI FIT and all the trainers there. I love NorCal SCI for the grant. Early on, I attended SCI FIT through a generous grant from NorCal SCI, and got back in shape!
Beyond recovery, who are you at your core? What kind of work and creative outlets bring you fulfillment?
I like to help people, and my job as an attorney gives me that opportunity. I worked at Legal Aid of Sonoma County before my accident, and they have been wonderful and patient in allowing me to make my way back to working. I currently assist with applying for restraining orders to the court for victims of domestic violence. It is very satisfying to me. I also like to draw and paint. I am in the process of getting back to hiking and playing disc golf. That will happen in good time. Maria and I also love to travel with our cat, Neptune.
That dedication to legal advocacy and creative work is wonderful. Do you have any hidden talents or unique hobbies that most people wouldn't expect?
That I am very good at identifying edible mushrooms along our coast. I no longer forage for mushrooms due to my injury (though I'm still looking for a way), but I still can identify at least 8 mushrooms that are delicious to eat. My wife and I used to love to forage for mushrooms. We'd hike up forested hillsides in the pouring rain and find yellow foot, black trumpets, king boletes, cauliflower mushrooms, puffballs, hedgehogs, and more. As mentioned, I'm getting an all-terrain wheelchair so I hope to find a flat place that I can get to. I know one out at Point Reyes that is my special spot for finding Chanterellus californicus. There are places locally to find Candy Caps that I can reach.
Between foraging spots, outdoor adventures, and sports, what does a perfect day off look like for you?
Take my cat for a walk, watch the SF Giants, Golden State Warriors, SF 49ers, and then I like to watch golf. I am in the process of getting back outside more and more, and I love to hang out at Spring Lake in our "secret spot" to people-watch and enjoy the weather. I would also take a "jog" as I am starting to get into better wheeling shape. I'd top it off with some music and then a movie.
If you could pack up tomorrow and travel anywhere in the world, where would you head first?
South America — Probably Ecuador or Argentina. I would love to see jungles, parrots, or even monkeys, not to mention all the different insect life—as long as I don't find one in my shirt!
Living with an SCI often brings big shifts in perspective. What is one daily mindset change that has made the biggest impact in your life?
I would say learning patience in everything I do. Prior to my accident, I was very rigid in my timing for everything, from getting somewhere to getting out the door on time. My patience started early in my rehabilitation when I realized I cannot and will not demand that my wife do things on my time. I became patient and realized that this is one of the best things that I have learned as a result of my injury. And it sure reduces conflict and stress!
Patience is such a powerful insight to share. Has a close friend ever given you a piece of advice or wisdom that helped you accept yourself through it all?
My best friend of over two decades, my “brother from another mother”, has helped me to understand that I'm just a wee bit obsessive-compulsive. He loves that about me and laughs with love when I discover I've acted obsessively or compulsively. His love has helped me to accept that about myself.
If you could wake up tomorrow having instantly mastered any talent overnight, what would it be?
Learning how to play the guitar. I play a little, but nothing like I'd like to be able to do. I love to sing, too. A guitar in my arms and I could sing anywhere.
To wrap up our chat today, what are a few books or stories that have stayed with you over time?
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. That book showed me what true love and dedication can be. I hope that one day, I'll be able to read the original Spanish version.
Earth Abides by George R. Stewart. I read it in college in a literature class. It had this impact on me that guides my sense of mystery and adventure.
Neuromancer by William Gibson. His novels in this trilogy inspired my love for the cyberpunk genre.
Thank you so much to Justin for taking the time to share his story, humor, and wisdom with our community! Getting to know the real people behind our network is what makes this community so special.
