First of all, we want to welcome you! We are Tommy and Robyn Van Zandt and are co-founders of FlippedStory.com, along with our dear friend and brother-in-law Mark Saviers. Mark is the author of the new book Flipped, which tells our family’s story.

We have a question to ask you: Have you ever experienced pain so intense that it flipped your world upside down? Pain that was physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually paralyzing?
Please know that you are among friends here. We’ve been there and, in some ways, are still in the midst of that battle.
Our Flipped Story began in 2009 when Tommy was permanently paralyzed from the chest down in an accident. What he went through— what all our close friends and family went through—was what sometimes felt like unbearable agony, anger, depression, and a great sense of loss for lives that would forever be flipped from what we all knew.
Through it all, God has been faithful. Through it all, God has provided solace. Through it all, God gave us hope.
You are invited to join us on this journey as you pilot through your own Flipped Story. Just as we share on throughout this website, our prayer for you is that your Flipped Story become one of triumph over tragedy. That it becomes about courage, faith, and hope to live in the grace and joy of God. We believe this is possible through time, resources and, most importantly, finding solace in daily prayer and reflection.
We created this site just for you to meet you where you are in your Flipped Story. We want to be clear in that we are not counselors and we do not have all the answers. But we want to be a source of encouragement and share what we’ve learned with others who are experiencing tragedy.
As the Flipped Story site changes and grows, you will discover these elements:
- The book Flipped that tells the story of triumph over tragedy in the lives of Tommy and Robyn Van Zandt,
- A growing list of practical resources that will help you and your family navigate life immediately after a sudden life-altering injury or illness, as well as in the years to come,
- Periodic blogs that update you on our story or other possible encouraging ideas, and
- Downloadable resources that will guide and encourage you through your journey.
The road ahead of you will be difficult to be sure. But you have a faithful, loving God that aches to provide you refuge and strength through your Flipped Story. We are thankful for you!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
— Psalm 46:1–2 (NIV)
Peace be with you.