I have limb-girdle muscular dystrophy which is a progressive muscle-wasting condition. It mainly affects my arms and legs, but it can also lead to the weakening of my heart and breathing muscles. I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy around the age of seven and since then, my muscles have gradually gotten weaker, losing most of my physical strength and ability to walk. This means I use a powerchair full-time and rely fully on the help and support of others for all aspects of my daily life.

When I was growing up, I didn’t know many disabled people. Only a very small handful and that included my older sister, who has the same condition as me. So other than my sister, I personally didn’t know or see anyone that was like me or had the same condition as me or used a wheelchair or even had the same experiences, struggles and thoughts about having a disability. I want to be part of representing disabled people, help create inclusion and diversity. I want to be a role model I wish I had when I was growing up with my disability.

Having a disability or rare condition doesn’t make us inspirational or brave for managing to get out of bed in the morning or merely existing. We are not superhuman. We are just human.