31 Days of SMA: You Are Worth a Closer Look

Photo courtesy of Lana del Roll

Day 23 of 31

This is Lana del Roll’s (@lanadelroll_official) story:

If you have a disability, you are worth a closer look. Those who can see the real you will find you and stay forever. Because you are not a disability; you are a personality. Make it visible — make them see You.

It’s often said that disabled people are bound to their wheelchair, like it’s something holding us back, which is so negative. Without a mobility aid to make it from point A to point B, we would be house-bound. The wheelchair is more a replacement for legs to help us gain huge independence. As for me, it is a thing to be thankful for. I don’t feel bad at all that I use my wheelchair every day.

Some people have asked me: If you could change your whole situation from disabled to abled, would you do it? Well, my answer is no. Because this body has taught me how to enjoy every second of life and to be thankful, even for the pain. This is what has made me the person I am now.

Others might see only a body that is not standard and even say it’s ugly. Some might see that behind this earthly shell is a soul full of love and beauty for those who really know what life is about.

So, my advice to you is to remember: you are a superstar, a beautiful person, a queen or king of your own world, the shy introvert or nerdy Otaku, but you are NOT a burden!

You are worth the while, and every love and care that life has to offer.

SMA News Today’s 31 Days of SMA campaign will publish one story per day for SMA Awareness Month in August. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofSMA, or read the full series.