As a I read a bill board along the road which said, “Attitude is contagious. Is yours worth catching?” My Dad, unprompted said, “Julie, your attitude is worth catching.” This was one of the first moments in my life where I realized that I had been choosing to be the person I was and have become – happy. Being happy and exuding that energy to others has helped me over come many obstacles in life. Born with a congenital spinal birth defect, Sacral Agenesis, I’ve endured over my 36 years of life more than 40 major surgeries combined with disability, limitation and physical pain.
I am proud to be a “Riley Kid,” a term proudly used to describe being a repeat patient at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. It is here that the doctors and nurses treated me with loving care, often performing break through medical procedures. With every surgery the entire staff supported my parents and me, helping us through many trying times. My parents remain the pinnacle of strength and inspiration – with each hospital stay we always found something to be happy and laugh about. For me, waking up from anesthetic made me smile. I made it fun even when ringing for a nurse I would quickly put on a clown nose to make the staff laugh, lifting everyone’s spirits.
Despite what some would describe as insurmountable obstacles, I’ve graduated from college, work full time, been happily married for over 10 years, own a home and have a full life. Being happy isn’t about myself only. It is inspiring and empowering others to choose a similar path in the face of adversity. I love seeing others smile and laugh, embracing a happy moment or time. If my experiences can help just one person then my dreams have come true. So, ask yourself, is your attitude worth catching?
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