Quadriplegic Singer Overcomes Odds To Gain Oscar Nomination

Joni Eareckson Tada shares her inspiring story with INSIDE EDITION of being nominated for an Oscar despite being a quadriplegic.

A haunting ballad is nominated for an Oscar. It's featured in a movie called Alone, Yet Not Alone, a true story of a family settling in Amerca's wilderness in the 18th century, and the singer's story is as dramatic as anything on screen.

Her name is Joni Eareckson Tada, and it's a miracle she's singing at all because she is a quadripalegic.

Watch More of Joni Eareckson Tada's Inspiring Journey

INSIDE EDITION's Jim Moret asked, "If you said, 'Hey guess what? I am going to sing a song that will be notimated in a movie?"

"Totally impossible. Not just improbable, but absolutely impossible," said Joni.

Joni broke her neck in a diving accident when she was 17. The athletic Maryland teen spent time on the beach. She also rode horses competitively before she was paralyzed.

She explained, "I have no chest muscles, no abdominal muscles. So, my diaphragm naturally sags."

So, in order to hit high notes of the song, Ken, her loving husband of 31 years, pushes on her diaphragm.

Ken told INSIDE EDITION, "When she hits that high note, that's when I know I have to give her a little umph."

Now, she's got another impressive credit—Oscar nominated song. With a little help from her husband, she says she will keep hitting those high notes.