Just an Arizona Girl Rollin' in a Big World: My Life with Transverse Myelitis by Christina Chambers

Just an Arizona Girl Rollin’ in a Big World:
My Life with Transverse Myelitis
by Christina Chambers
via YooCan

For me the word “no” has always been my favorite word. It is my favorite word because everytime I hear it, I accept it as a challenge.

I was only 12-years old when I woke up paralyzed from the chest down not able to move or feel anything. I was only 12-years old when the doctors told me I had Transverse Myelitis. I was only 12-years old when they said I would probably never walk again and that my life would never be the same.

Now I am 21-years old and I’ve gotten Transverse Myelitis five different times effecting different parts of my body, but it hasn’t stopped me in the slightest bit.

I am only 21-years old and I have been to Spain, Bali, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. I have traveled all around the world in my wheelchair even after many people told me “no” millions of times or that I couldn’t do it and that it wasn’t possible. I have defied all the odds against me and I have seen the most beautiful places, met met the most incredible people and have tasted the most delicious foods.

Everytime I reach a new place I feel a much greater appreciation than those traveling around me because it has taken so much more to reach the destination.

Most places around the world are not accessible. In Bali, I rode side-car on a scooter to the beach. In Fiji, locals from the island graciously carried me anywhere I wanted to go. Every place had a challenge whether it was finding a restroom or a door or a ramp. Every trip I have taken has been the greatest journey.

It is hard for me to conclude my story because I feel like I am still writing it every day as I live and I travel. But, if I had listen to the doctors or the people who tried to close doors on me then I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. You have to believe that there is good in the world and that people will help you along the way to make it to your destination. You may not even know what your destination is until your sitting at it during a sunrise in Fiji, with the wind blowing through your hair and the waves hitting the sand.

Don’t ever let someone tell you that you cannot do anything!