About Me
Despite my disability I haven't stopped getting involved and trying to change the world at the same time. I enjoy working on my computer and even have my own website design business called "Anthony's Abilities." I also like to write and sing my own songs, play Texas Hold'em with my family, and go to the movies. In other words, I just enjoy everything life gives to me, hanging out with friends that mean the world to me, and the small things that turn a good day into an amazing day.
So, I am just like every one of you reading this, except I am in a wheelchair. That's because I have a type of Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. As this disease progresses, I lose more and more of my muscle function requiring me to constantly adapt my way of doing things. But this hasn't stopped me. With my "never give up" attitude I have gained a spirit that never gives in to my physical condition. While Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy steals my muscle function and independence, what remains strong is my desire to excel in academics and life and to teach acceptance of disabilities, while having fun at the same time.
So far, I have accomplished my success in academics by getting accepted in the National Honor Society and I am teaching you about my disability by creating this blog. But, the most difficult part of being in this wheelchair is the immediate barrier it erects when trying to make friends. Sure, everyone in my community and school might say hi to me and know my name, but I don't have the camaraderie of friends that I continuously strive for. But this changes for one week of the year, possibly the best week of my life. At MDA Camp, a one-week camp that I have attended for over the past 10 years, the counselors don't notice the wheelchair; instead they notice the person in it. The week is filled with hanging out, swimming, and dancing. By the way, I have danced with over 50 girls especially at MDA Camp.
Right now I am in my first year of college and I am loving it! People at college are so much more accepting of me and I have so many friends now. At the same time, I have been busy promoting my blog, The Optimist's Guide to Life, and so far that has worked out really well. I have a total of over 14,000 first time visits in what will be a year on January 28th. My visitors come from all over the world too; they come from places like California, England, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, and even Australia. Check out my blog at http://www.anthonysabilities.com/blog/ and find Optimism for yourself. :)
The next time you notice a person in a wheelchair, instead of just saying hello, try to find ways to include them in your activities so you can get to know the real person who would love to just "fit in." My motto is "despite my disability, my abilities have NO bounds" and I hope I have inspired some of you to embrace our differences and that by having friends that understand you, can make all the difference in the world.