I was born with a brachial plexus injury, a condition that affects the nerves that control the movement and sensation of the arm. It happened during a difficult delivery, when the doctor pulled too hard on my right shoulder, damaging the nerves that connect my spinal cord to my arm. As a result, I have limited mobility and feeling in my right arm. Some people might see this as a disability, a limitation, or a “curse”. But I see it as a challenge, an opportunity, and a blessing. My brachial plexus injury has inspired me to adapt, seek the truth, overcome obstacles, and pursue my dreams. I learned so much from my brachial plexus injury. First was adaptation. I had to learn how to do things differently, using my left hand or both hands, or finding alternative ways to accomplish tasks. Adaptation taught me to be flexible, creative, and resourceful. It also taught me to appreciate what I have, and not take anything for granted. I realized that I could do anything I set my mind to if I was willing to adapt and overcome.

Another lesson I learned from my brachial plexus injury was learning to seek truth. I wanted to make sense of what happened. I wanted to know if this is what was meant to happen to me, how am I supposed to use my “disability” to show the world that God makes no mistakes. It allows me to see people for who they are and what their story is. It allows me to connect with other people who had to see the world with a different lens. It allowed me to understand that despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade what happened to me for anything in the world. It has allowed me to truly see that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully made (PSALM 139:14) and we are all created with purpose.

I also learned to overcome obstacles. I faced many physical and emotional challenges due to my condition. Instead of participating in sports, I spent time in casts from surgeries and physical therapy. I had to sit out from sports due to a limitation that was placed on me. I battled low self-esteem and the constant question of “why do I have to be different?” I sometimes felt angry, sad, and hopeless. Overcoming obstacles taught me to be resilient, courageous, and optimistic. It also taught me to be compassionate, empathetic, and supportive. I learned to help others who were going through similar struggles, and to inspire them with my story.

Lastly, my injury taught me to own my uniqueness. I realized that my condition made me different from others, but not in a bad way. It made me stand out, but not in a negative way. It made me unique, but not in a lonely way. Uniqueness taught me to be confident, proud, and authentic. It also taught me to be humble, respectful, and inclusive. I learned to embrace my differences, and to express my true self. I also learned to appreciate the diversity of others, and to celebrate their uniqueness.

I wanted to start a business to help connect with others to make a difference. Pursuing my dream of starting a business taught me to be ambitious, determined, and passionate. It also taught me to be realistic, balanced, and grateful. 

I hope by sharing my story, I can inspire others who are facing similar or different challenges, and show them that they can overcome them, and achieve their dreams. I also hope that I can raise awareness and understanding about brachial plexus injury, and other conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. I believe that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and opportunity, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.