Amelia

I was diagnosed with Ataxia (Unknown) in October of 2024. I left the hospital after a bad fall in a wheelchair not knowing what my future would be like. As a very active person who loves to walk, hike, play etc. I was devastated. I spent three months in a wheelchair and thankfully I had the support of my partner. I was extremely motivated and I was using a walker by January 2025. I got a job!

Everything was going well until about April 2025 and I was back in a wheel chair until November 2025. I had lost my motivation. I was suicidal. My doctor had me on a bi-polar medication which was disastrous! I sat down and (I am an ex Kindergarten teacher) and made what I call a “Hope Board”. I wrote out everything that I wanted to happen in my life. Hope, Health, Family, Work, Love Etc.

Then I got to work. I applied for hundreds of jobs and had many interviews. I looked like I was showing up drunk. My nerves accerbated the situation. It was so embarrassing, but also very humbling. Watching how others react to my walker. Some tried to get me to carry the damn thing up the stairs. Finally I found a job. Things are starting to happen. My board is still up in my living room. Today, I still use my walker and walk like a drunkard but I am learning to cope. Some days are better than others!