I am beyond excited to introduce you to this angel, Kaela Lebow. She is an inspiration on so many levels. She was born with Quadriplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy and also has Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoporosis. How one young woman can handle all that and continue to shine brighter than most is inspiring in itself. She lets nothing stop her and does more athletic and physical sports than most people I know! She continues to surprise me with all that she does and wants to do in her life. Her motivation, strength, courage, and determination is that of a fighter, a warrior. No matter what, she keeps rollin on. Kaela loves sharing her story and has started speaking at schools and other events to inspire others and bring awareness. She is such a light and we can all learn something from her. I asked Kaela 8 questions to get some insight on how she does it.
1. What motivates you?
Each and everyday that I am able to wake up, get out of bed, live my life, and be surrounded by the ones I love motivates me to be the best I can be. From an early age, I have been told that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this or that or live a “normal” life, and because of that I am constantly motivated to prove to myself and others what I am truly capable of.
2. What do you do to get through tough days?
With time, I have come to believe that everything happens for a reason. There is a purpose behind everything that I have been through. Whether it is clear at that moment or not, it all makes sense, eventually. Each time that I am able to share my story with others makes all my tough days worth it.
3. What kind of physical therapy/workout are you doing and how often?
From as far back as I can remember I have always lived an active lifestyle. I do a variety of exercises on my own daily, but I just recently began working out with a trainer four times a month, and my sessions are two hours. Project Walk Fresno is an exercise based recovery program for people with spinal cord injuries or other nervous system injuries. It has changed my life and has given me so much motivation.
4. What are you most grateful for?
I consider myself extremely blessed to have been given the opportunities I have, but I am most grateful for the most amazing, loving, and supportive support system a girl could ask for. My family and my close friends are my rock. My family is my everything. They have been by my side since day one, holding me together during the times where I felt like everything else was falling apart.
[caption id="attachment_1356" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Kaela's Dad, Dennis never wanted his little girl to miss out on anything. This is them wake boarding![/caption]
5. What inspires you?
I am continually inspired by the many courageous and strong individuals that I have met along my journey through life. I strongly believe that every person that comes into and exits your life, has a purpose. I learn something new everyday. I guess I could say that I am most inspired by the children I meet, especially the ones with challenges. They just seem to have this innocence, this light about them that touches my heart. Seeing their smiles and their love for life despite their obstacles, past or present, inspires me to keep pushing forward.
6. Do you look at your health issues as a curse or a blessing?
As I have gotten older, the way I look at my disability has changed. Due to lack of understanding and frustration, I once saw my challenges as a curse. But now as an adult, I can’t see myself any other way. There are times that I wish more than anything that my situation was different as it would be easier on my loved ones, but as for myself…I don’t know any different. I strongly believe that if it was not for my challenges, I would not have achieved all that I have, have met the same people, or have had the same experiences. Because of that, I see my challenges as a blessing.
7. Tell me a book or quote that had a deep effect on you?
“I want to do something that matters, say something different. Something that sets the whole world on its ear. I want to do something better with the time I've been given, and I want to try to touch a few hearts in this life. Leave nothing less than something that says I was here.” – Lady Antebellum “I Was Here”
8. What is your dream?
My dream is to continue to share my story with others as a speaker and through my book that is in the works. I want to complete law school and achieve my dream of becoming an attorney. By achieving these goals, my hope is that I will reach my ultimate dream of breaking stereotypes of those who have disabilities or challenges, and to be proof for others that if you believe you will achieve.
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