U.S. Army SFC (Ret.) Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck: A Story of Resilience and Inspiration

Introduction

On November 7, MotorVero, in collaboration with our partner AutoNation, had the privilege of presenting a vehicle to a deserving veteran as part of our DrivenToDrive initiative. This program is dedicated to assisting injured veterans in regaining their independence by getting them back behind the wheel. Since its inception in 2017, DrivenToDrive has gifted four vehicles, each symbolizing hope and mobility. This year, we are proud to share the remarkable story of U.S. Army SFC (Ret.) Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck, a woman whose resilience and determination have made her truly unstoppable.

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Ce-Ce’s Military Journey

Ce-Ce’s military career began in 1995 when she joined the Army Reserves to further her education. She quickly fell in love with the camaraderie and sense of purpose that the military provided. Her dedication led her to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. However, her life took a dramatic turn during a routine jump in November 2003. A sudden gust of wind caused her parachute to entangle with another jumper’s. Despite her training allowing her to separate the parachutes, she had no time to prepare for landing. The impact left her paralyzed from the waist down.

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Overcoming Adversity

Doctors told Ce-Ce she would never walk again. But Ce-Ce, a single mother, was determined not to let this prognosis define her life or hinder her ability to raise her son. “I had to be strong for my son to show him that anything is possible,” she recalls. After months of intensive therapy, Ce-Ce made significant progress in her mobility, allowing her to move out of her mother’s house and live independently with her son. During this period, she also returned to school to complete her degree and began training in adaptive sports, focusing on javelin and shot put.

Pursuing Paralympic Dreams

Ce-Ce’s determination didn’t stop at regaining her mobility. After graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2010, she dedicated herself entirely to qualifying for the U.S. Paralympics Team. Her hard work paid off, and she earned a spot on the team the following year. Ce-Ce went on to compete in the 2012 Paralympics in London and the World Championships in Lyon, France, where she won a bronze medal. “To adapt, to reinvent, to endure pain, to confront the next day, to conquer barriers, and to achieve victory. That is how I spent the next five years, winning over 22 medals,” she shares.

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Inspiring Others

After achieving her Paralympic dreams, Ce-Ce turned her focus to helping others. Today, she serves as an ambassador for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and travels across the country as a motivational speaker. Her message is clear: never give up and keep striving to achieve your goals. “Being able to share my life experiences to motivate others past their current circumstances, together we can achieve our goals without limitations. Together we are unstoppable,” Ce-Ce emphasizes.

The Importance of Mobility

For Ce-Ce, having a reliable vehicle is crucial to her mission. It allows her to transport herself, her family, and her equipment, enabling her to continue her work and inspire others. On November 7, Ce-Ce received a brand-new 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, retrofitted to meet her specific needs. She has affectionately named her vehicle “Cajun Spice” and plans to use it to pay it forward to the veteran community. “Giving back to the veteran community means so much to me because I feel like no veteran should be left behind,” she states.

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How You Can Help

MotorVero’s DrivenToDrive program is committed to supporting veterans like Ce-Ce. If you would like to donate, get involved, or learn more about how you can help, please visit the DrivenToDrive website. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of veterans, helping them regain their independence and continue their journeys.

Conclusion

Ce-Ce Mazyck’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Her journey from a life-altering injury to becoming a Paralympian and motivational speaker is nothing short of inspirational. Through programs like DrivenToDrive, MotorVero is proud to support veterans in overcoming challenges and achieving their dreams. Ce-Ce’s message is clear: with perseverance and support, anything is possible.

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