Vicci

When Vicci first got out of the hospital following a traumatic car accident, the only thing people talked about were the limitations she would endure for the rest of her life. But now, 20 years later, Vicci has recovered far beyond what anyone expected. Her experience taught her many things, the most important of which is to believe in your own abilities. Today, Vicci has embarked on a mission to help others in similar situations do the same.
Based on her own experience, Vicci realized that many patients in hospital rehabilitation programs lacked inspiration and guidance in their struggle to rebuild their lives. In 2007, she decided to start a business, Victory Coaching, to help patients set and pursue goals as they transition to a new life. “As someone who was once only able to communicate with my family through nods and blinks,” says Vicci, “I understand that the road back to a normal life occurs one small step at a time.”
The first step she took to start her business was to visit the Entrepreneurship Center in Santa Clara, where she learned about Opportunity Fund’s IDA program. Vicci enrolled in the program and started saving every month to build up the money to start her business. She was surprised when the program offered her a lot more than just an incentive to save. “Opportunity Fund’s staff gave me valuable advice about how to start my business,” says Vicci. “They are the coach’s coaches.”
Although her business is just one year old, Vicci has big plans for the future. While she presently balances a part-time job at the YMCA, Vicci envisions herself ultimately managing Victory Coaching as her sole career. “My dream is to give the gift of a normal life to others,” says Vicci. “When a father thanks you for enabling him to walk his daughter down the aisle, that’s all the motivation I need.” Whether suffering from a case of severe arthritis or simply trying to get into better physical shape, Vicci’s clients have been able to realize possibilities instead of limitations. “Sometimes victory is just being able to look at your feet.”