I was born with Spina Bifida about 28 years ago. Back then, not much was known about my "disability." The doctor scared both my parents by telling them there was a 50/50 chance I'd even survive. I think they were even given the option of abortion and, thankfully, passed on it.

Since then, I've been proving doctors wrong left and right. I was never treated by my family like a fragile china doll with a disability. I even swung on the rope in gym with a dislocated hip in elementary school. Not that my parents found out about that until after ... but I digress. So I guess you could say that not only have I always seen beyond my disability, but I've never really seen myself as disabled or limited in any way in the first place. Is that a bit dangerous and reckless? Sure. But as they say: "well behaved women rarely make history."

We all have something that's different about ourselves from the next person. In society today, that's usually taboo. Everyone is always quick to change aspects of themselves physically or internally, for the sake of trying to "fit in" with this small little box that other people use to classify them as "normal." I'm not claustrophobic, but that would make ANYONE feel suffocated. No thanks! I embrace my weird tendencies that actually have nothing to do with my wheelchair. Like laughing at my own jokes.

What, you mean wheelies are weird? Sorry, you're missing out then! I don't ever want or need to change for anyone. I'm frequently approached and asked if I ever want to walk and people pray for me left and right to be "healed." My view is this. God doesn't make mistakes. I am the way I am for a reason. If not for the fact that I don't want to have a ninth surgery and the memories I have of walking with a walker and braces as a kid almost give me PTSD, then maybe because I'm just happy how I am. And don't think I don't enjoy the perks of this life ... front of the line in most places, front row seats at most arenas and ... a private lesson with Val Chmerkovskiy from Dance With Me USA and "Dancing With The Stars." What more could a girl want? And if you say, 'Derek,' you can just stop reading right now! *kidding ... kind of.*

I know my purpose is to lead people to look beyond the physical (although, I'm having a good hair day today ... in case you were wondering.) Who I really am is a woman looking to make a difference and show people that the only limits there really are, are the ones we put on ourselves. Frankly, it's so much fun to push past the limits other people put on you. You get to smile sweetly (*cough* sarcastically), say I told you so and (more importantly) inspire a heck of a lot of people along the way. At least I hope to.