I was at a karate tournament in East Texas when I spotted Molli. It was hard not to take notice of her. First of all, she is stunningly beautiful. But, secondly, when she first caught my eye, it was because she was sparring, sitting in a wheelchair. And winning.
She took my breath away. Molli was punching, using both hands, and KILLING it. In a special needs world where we don’t always have enough role models, there she was.
Molli was born with Spina Bifida (L2, myelomeningocele). Spina bifida is a congenital defect of the spine. Part of the spinal cord is exposed through a gap in the backbone. Depending on the severity, it can cause paralysis of the lower limbs and, sometimes, mental handicap. The most common kind, Myelomeningocele, is a neural tube defect where the bones in the spine do not completely form. This is what Molli has. But when you meet her, it is not the first thing, or maybe even the fifth thing that you notice about her.
This is a nine year old with a tremendous appetite for enjoying life. Recently achieving her first medal in karate is only the latest in her line of things she enjoys. Molli has taken dance lessons since the age of three. She loves video games, Broadway musicals and football. She is also a very enthusiastic traveler, earning the nickname, “Road Dawg,” from her mother, Mitzi.
In fact, Mitzi says that Molli has never even questioned her disability. Molli goes for whatever activity that interests her, adapting it to her ability level.
Mitzi found out about the Spina Bifida through an ultrasound during her pregnancy. She was told repeatedly that Molli may be mentally challenged. That she might be paralyzed. That even though Mitzi might feel her kicking and see her legs moving on the ultrasound screen, it didn’t mean anything. It was a terrifying experience.
No mother imagines having a child with disabilities when they become pregnant. Little did Mitzi know that she was about to meet her best friend and begin an incredible journey together.
In the NICU, Molli’s foot started moving. She figured out how to crawl at the age of two. By the age of three, Molli began to be able to bear weight on her legs, using a walker. And then, a few months later, she was taking her first steps. From the age of four, Molli has been able to walk using forearm crutches, which she is able to do to this day.
While things may look a little different when Molli does them, in a lot of ways she is a typical kid. She loves to eat chimichangas, cheese and her most favorite – Hot Pockets. She is an avid fan of the WWE, Ridiculousness and the New England Patriots. Disney and Nickelodeon keep her entertained. And, like a typical nine year old girl, her stuffed animals, Gronk and Lilo, and her American Girl dolls make Molli happy.
This is a girl who does not sit on the sidelines or stay in the shadows. We need more role models like Molli. They are out there. Take a look around. They are not hard to find because they shine so brightly.
If you are just beginning your special needs life journey and you are frightened, just look at Molli. Keep your eyes on the prize. Your child, no matter what accomodations they may need, can shine like this.
Want to comfort and offer a role model to special needs parents who are at the beginning? Please share your amazing stories about your child with special needs in the comments below.