In the Spotlight: Nancy Ottum
When you meet Nancy Ottum, her warmth, curiosity, and appetite for adventure shine through instantly. Whether she’s tackling the daily New York Times crossword, baking up something delicious, birdwatching, or locked in a friendly battle with her sister over a tricky wooden jigsaw puzzle, Nancy brings an incredible sense of joy and determination to everything she does. Born with Spina Bifida and later navigating tethered cord syndrome and major surgical complications in adulthood, her physical journey has evolved significantly—yet her drive to explore the world has never wavered.
I was so excited to catch up with Nancy to learn more about her life, her incredible adventures, and the wisdom she’s picked up along the way.
Nancy, I’m so glad we get to spotlight you! To kick us off, could you share a bit about your diagnosis and how your journey with SCI first began?
I was not “injured” in the traditional sense, but born with Spina Bifida and an additional benign tumor in the spinal column at the L4-L5 region.
I grew up in Studio City, CA and I was a typical active kid until age 10 when I began growing and my spine became “tethered” by the tumor. Normal development was hindered and pinching of the nerves that ran to my lower left leg and foot occurred and I developed numbness in my leg and a drop foot. I lived with the odd gait that accompanies lifting the foot to avoid dragging my toes and tripping. I was able to live a successful and full life that included backpacking, horseback riding, traveling Europe, swimming competitively and birthing 2 boys. Then just 9 years ago, I had a surgery that left my right leg with a drop foot, then the injury continued to my S1 that left me incontinent. Following that, my life became very different.
Living through that kind of transition takes so much strength, but you have continued to live such an active life! In fact, one piece of trivia that blew me away is that you climbed Mt. Shasta at 14,179 feet. What made you want to tackle that mountain, and what did it feel like when you finally reached the summit?
One bit of trivia that few know about me is that climbed Mt. Shasta (14,179 ft.) and successfully reached the summit.
Besides being very stiff and sore the next day, I was elated! I had always wanted to climb this mountain , it was 2-day climb up and a fast climb down and I did it with a very experienced rock climber. Funny story: We were passed by a group of hikers from the Sierra Club who went up and back in one day!
That is such an amazing accomplishment! Changing gears a bit, how did you first connect with NorCal SCI, and what was it like staying over at Nick Struthers' home in Scotland? What stood out to you most about that trip?
When I first moved to SLO, I attended monthly meetings of a group called SLO Access to seek others with spinal cord injuries. Nick Struthers came to a meeting and talked about NorCal SCI and all the services they offered. I was taken by his gentle, Scottish demeanor and signed up for counseling and consequently parties and ultimately staying in his house in Kinghorn. Scotland
The people are so kind and you can sense their immense loyalty to their homeland. The absolute highlight was the Military Tattoo at the Edinbourgh Castle! Hundreds of bagpipes and other performers in dazzling unison. I talk about it constantly to anyone who will listen!
When you aren't traveling or exploring, who are you at your core—what hobbies or passions fill your days outside of managing your SCI? I also hear you pick up your grandkids regularly and love working jigsaw puzzles with your sister; what are those experiences like for you?
I enjoy playing piano, reading murder mysteries, bird watching, traveling baking and working puzzles, mainly the New York Times crossword and other games they offer. My sister and I love to work jigsaw puzzles. I keep tabs on my grandkids by picking them up a few times a week from school.
Topics mainly revolve around school homework, plays and friends. I love staying in touch as they grow up.
We have done many, many puzzles, mostly 1000-pieces. The one that has us working harder than expected is a 316-piece wooden one! We thought it was one that we'd whip it out in an afternoon, but it has taken hours because no 2 pieces are the same!
Nancy's most recent project: a 316-piece jigsaw puzzle where every piece is unique, including cat-shaped ones!
If you had 24 hours entirely to yourself with no obligations, what does your ideal day look like? And if you were enjoying that perfect day somewhere like Costa Rica, Italy, or Australia, where would you head first and what’s in your glass?
With 24 hours of free time, I would take the bus downtown, browse stores and do a bit of shopping and perhaps meet a friend or relative to share a nice lunch. Next, I’d head home, pour a glass of wine and read for hours listening to music.
This is a tough question! I love to watch birds so Costa Rica is perfect choice, but I have always wanted to go to Italy literally to "eat my way from top to bottom" and drink local wines, I do love the reds. Australia mainly because my other son and family live there in Brisbane.
On a practical note, what is one adaptive tool or trick that has made the biggest difference in your daily routine? Also, if you could instantly master any new subject, skill, or trade overnight, what would you choose?
My daily life has benefited from installing ramps in and out of doors.
I would choose to walk again so I could run with my grandkids and travel easier.
What books, shows, podcasts, or music are currently at the top of your favorites list right now?
Books on the top of my list?! That is difficult. I’m looking forward to reading Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett and Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (or anything by her). I am currently reading Brave the Wild River by Melissa L. Sevigny. My absolute favorite TV series is Astrid but also Brokenwood, Marlow Murder Club, Mid-Somer Murders, and Carpe Diem. Podcasts: Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me. Music tastes run from classical to Jon Batiste, Ludovico Einaudi, Ed Sheeeran.
Who has played a pivotal role or served as a hero in your life, and what’s a piece of wisdom from a friend, mentor, or family member that has stayed with you through everything?
One person who has played a pivotal role is my mentor, Kim Ezell. She is very positive and has been through similar issues. She always has advice that is helpful. Also my husband, Bruce, who has evolved into the job helping me as my condition changes.
“Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are.”
To close things out, what message or piece of advice would you love to share with the rest of our community—especially from moments in your own life that shaped your mindset?
My advice to anyone who is navigating the path through debilitating injuries is to ask for help. There are people who have traveled in your shoes, or know someone more experienced to talk to. They can be such great sources of information, and are quicker than trying to navigate websites and telephone calls.
I have a comment from my orthopedic surgeon to my 11-yr-old self after being released from his care: "you can do anything you want!". Wow! It was music to my ears and I have always kept it in my heart and made it my life's mantra to live by.
Thank you for opening up your life and sharing some of your secrets with us, Nancy. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our community!
