“Having a disability helps you and people around you see things”
When I was 3 1/2 I had a brain aneurysm and that resulted in a physical disability. The right side of my body is considerably weaker than my left side. Most people think I have a limp. It kept me from doing a lot of physical activities in school. I was ashamed to join sports teams because I never was as good or could never be as good as the other players. But I see it as kind of a blessing because after 6 months in the rehabilitation center at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles I was selected to be part of their Children’s Miracle Network branch in CHLA as a spokesperson. I’ve been a spokesperson for them ever since. I have spoken to a room of 500 people at the national conference.
I was also part of the Children’s Miracle Network where each Children’s Hospital across the country picks one of their spokesperson. They have this week long charity events which is associated with a lot of famous people. I did a golf shoot with NFL Carolina Panthers players. I also met Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton, when he was in office.
So actually being a spokes person has boosted my self-esteem and made me realize that having a disability helps you and people around you see things that people normally wouldn’t if they hadn’t known someone with a disability.
I’m Sailor Mars, it’s not complete because I’m missing my and gloves. It was really hot today. It is from the anime series Sailor Women. It was one of my first and favorite animes as a kid. I realized growing up I was always the shy, nice one that never said anything bad about anyone until a couple years back when a couple of my friends said, “oh no you’re so sassy”. So I basically realized it was this character who is sassy, fiery and can be a little loud sometimes. But I embrace it.
My most treasured stuffed animal is, her name is Sunny Bunny. She’s actually a little bunny in pajamas and she’s a puppet. My mom would always kind of play with me and her before going to bed as a little kid. It was our little sharing corner at the end of the day. I still have her, she’s in my bedroom.
~ Be the Xtra in Ordinary ~ Perfect Reject Stories