It's been almost five year since I first set foot in the operating room where angels disguised as surgeons and nurses set me on the path to independence. The tendons in my legs and adductors were so tight that I couldn't stand and bear weight or open my legs, even after countless rounds of Botox injections. Thankfully, one surgeon and my dedicated parents changed my future forever. It took about six hours of skilled cutting and lengthening of tendons and muscles, but soon the fog of anesthetic wore off, and I looked down in awe. My legs were straight for the first time in almost fourteen years. At last, I felt a twinge of hope, maybe I could become more self-reliant.
Six weeks later, the casts were removed and the scars healed. Now came the process of rebuilding the muscles. I had to undergo intense physical therapy, the process was painful, almost totally unbearable, but my mother pushed me no matter how much I begged her to stop. She saw the potential that lie just beyond the physical anguish. Within five months after having my tendons released, I was able to stand while holding on to a grab bar. Two months later, I had returned to school.
However, my most amazing feat had yet to come. I had always dreamed of walking across the stage to accept my diploma, a task that most kids my age take for granted. On June 13, 2014 I accomplished that goal. The auditorium exploded with elation and tears of joy covered my face. A month later, I returned to the hospital and gave my surgeon the surprise of his life by walking into his office. He beamed, a single tear running down his cheek.
I beat the odds, in spite of all those who had doubted me. I hope this story inspires the desire to fight for your dreams and not listen to the voice inside your head that says it can never be done. I look forward to hearing your stories of success in the future, and no matter what, I believe in you
Yours truly,
Alexis
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