“My life is so much more then just a disability, and I am happy to show the world this through my writing!”

The story of my disability began at age 9 when I was diagnosed with scoliosis, requiring a back brace to correct the curvature of my spine. While scoliosis was not a concern to my family, we also didn’t know it was a symptom of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) yet.

Over the next two years of wearing a back brace, I pursued my passion to competitively dance. This was the same time that my parents started to notice my unsteady walking. The doctors attributed it to scoliosis, but my physical therapist urged my parents to consult with a neurologist.

It wasn’t until June 2013, at age 12, when I had my first neurology appointment and was officially diagnosed with FA. I didn’t fully understand my disorder at the time, as my family was still grappling with the news and shielding me from the symptoms. As I continued to dance, I realized my coordination issues were affecting my ability to perform. That’s when it all started clicking.

As I entered high school, I immediately quit the dance team and grew more aware of FA. Simple tasks became challenging and I was stumbling in the school hallways a lot. In addition to that, my scoliosis kept worsening. This led to spinal fusion surgery, in March 2016, which drastically affected my mobility.

Focused on regaining my independence, I spent the summer of 2016 in recovery and learning how to walk again. And yes, I did it! I returned to high school walking by junior year. Although a huge accomplishment, I did end up using a wheelchair full-time later that school year.

I didn’t realize then that using a wheelchair at just 16-years-old was my greatest challenge, pushing me to adapt and come to terms with my physical disability… This shift was difficult, yet I pursued my dream of attending and dorming at Marist College, where I graduated in 2022.

Throughout college and beyond, I learned resilience and self-advocacy, inspiring me to create my blog in 2021. My life is so much more then just a disability, and I am happy to show the world this through my writing!

I love posting fun stories and sharing my bright outlook on life, hoping to empower others to embrace their own journeys; whether they face disabilities or other challenges. Enjoy the read!

XOXO, Adri