A
day in October of 2006, I was at home doing laundry. On this day, I knew something was different
about me that just didn’t feel right. I
was feeling weak and sick, but ignored it and took a walk across the street, to
go to a store to get exact change for the laundry machine. I’ll never forget that walk across the
street, because little did I know, it would be my last walk outside. Shortly after, I started to lose sensation in
my legs and was rushed to the hospital. I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal
cord that causes paralysis.I was kept
in the hospital for 2 months for tests/recovery and spent my 30th birthday
there.
When
I was first told that I may never walk again, I didn't want to accept it. I felt
scared and angry at the world. I refused to "learn" how to function
in a wheelchair because that would mean I had to accept this kind of life. This
is not how I envisioned myself nor how I imagined that my life would turn out.
I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for me.
Everything
in our lives was going so well when my sudden onset of paralysis, hit us like a
ton of bricks. After all, my husband (of seven years at that time) and I, were
living the high life in the big city. We would meet friends every weekend, and
were always at the best places "to be and be seen" of New York City.
We had one those love stories you read in storybooks. We met, fell for each other instantly and
flew back and forth to see each other for a few months. We had a whirlwind
romance and were married within 6 months.
We
were also at the stage in our lives when we started to think about having
children. From then on, I had to watch
all my friends getting pregnant and having babies before me. Meanwhile, I had
to spend the next few years taking new medications, doing physical therapy to
somewhat maintain my body and learning to function as a paraplegic. I also had a
lot of self-discovery to do. I didn't feel like the woman that I thought I was,
before I was in a wheelchair. I had to redefine what being a beautiful woman
meant within myself, rather than how society envisions a beautiful woman. In other words, I had to "bring my own sexy back," but this time,
in a wheelchair.
The
one good news that I received from the doctors, was that I would be able to carry
a pregnancy and give birth. This statement became more important to me than
whether or not I would walk again! To give new life and to become a mother,
became my new goal and I was very determined to make this come true.
In
April of 2009, I became pregnant with our daughter. I had an easy full-term
pregnancy. On January 22, 2010, Emilee Hofmann was born through a normal
delivery (no C-section required!). She is now a bright and sassy 7yr old. We
moved our lives into the suburbs of Westchester, to make space for our growing
family. Since then, I've become an active mom in our new community here and
even mastered driving with hand-controls so I could become a more independent
mom.
In
July of 2013, I became pregnant again with our son. Once again, I had a healthy
full-term pregnancy. After a swift labor, Christopher Hofmann was born on March
9, 2014 via a normal delivery (again, no C-section was needed). Today, he is a 3
yr old little mischief that is quite a handful.
These
days, there is never a dull moment!
Between potty training, getting the kids ready for school, packing
lunches, taking/picking up the kids from school, swim classes, dance classes,
language classes, planning playdates, giving baths, helping with homework,
cooking dinner, picking toys off the floor, loading the laundry and on top of
that, doing physical therapy! You can
say my life is just like any other mom’s except I do everything on wheels!
I’ve
realized I can still accomplish anything I want and the sky’s the limit for
me. I discovered my talent for painting,
something I maybe would not have taken up if I wasn’t forced to sit all day! I
can now call myself a self-proclaimed artist, among others.
Who
knew that my latest title would also be “advocate/activist"? My husband and I have since become strong
supporters of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to find a cure for
paralysis.
It is still my dream, and my children’s dream that they will one day see their mother walk. My daughter, Emilee, says, “If there is no cure by the time I’m a grown-up, I will become the scientist that finds a cure for you to walk.” This has inspired me to head my latest project, the Race for a Cure Gala, an event to bring our hometown community of Westchester together to spread awareness about spinal cord injuries and to honor "superheroes" that persevere despite their disabilities. The funds made from the Gala event will be awarded to the Reeve Foundation to support people living with paralysis and the discovery of cures. The Gala Benefit will be held on June17th at Mulino’s Lake Isle Country Club. Tickets can be purchased at: http://raceforacuregala.brownpapertickets.com). I strongly encourage the disabled community and their family/friends to be present at the event for a wonderful and worthwhile evening.
It is still my dream, and my children’s dream that they will one day see their mother walk. My daughter, Emilee, says, “If there is no cure by the time I’m a grown-up, I will become the scientist that finds a cure for you to walk.” This has inspired me to head my latest project, the Race for a Cure Gala, an event to bring our hometown community of Westchester together to spread awareness about spinal cord injuries and to honor "superheroes" that persevere despite their disabilities. The funds made from the Gala event will be awarded to the Reeve Foundation to support people living with paralysis and the discovery of cures. The Gala Benefit will be held on June17th at Mulino’s Lake Isle Country Club. Tickets can be purchased at: http://raceforacuregala.brownpapertickets.com). I strongly encourage the disabled community and their family/friends to be present at the event for a wonderful and worthwhile evening.
Now
at age 40, I may wear may titles these days, but I don’t claim to be a heroine.
However, I can claim one thing: I am leading the life that I've always dreamed
of having and I never let my disability stop me from living that dream. I thank
my lucky stars for everyone in my life and everything that I am blessed to
have. I married Prince Charming. We live in our "beautiful castle"
with our two beautiful children. I've learned that a wheelchair is just
something I use, but it doesn't define who I am. I am the CEO and founder of my
household. I am a wife, mother, daughter and friend, first and foremost. I may
not be perfect, but you can say I'm a "work-in-progress" just
like any other woman. I manage to do it all, sitting in my wheelchair with a
smile on my face. If my children will see me as a hero one day... well, that is
good enough for me!
About
the Author:
Aimee Hofmann is a New
York native, raised in Queens. She holds a BA from NYU's Stern Business School
which has influenced her marketing/PR savvy-mind. However, she has worn many hats throughout the
years. Aimee is an avid swimmer and a well-rounded artist. In 2006, she was
struck with Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation in the spinal cord that
results in paralysis. Since becoming paraplegic, it has opened her mind to a
new founded identity as a woman with a disability. "The beauty of a woman
is how she feels on the inside, which will in turn radiate on the outside. It’s
about how she carries herself, whether she happens to be sitting or standing,
walking or rolling." Aimee's attitude has led her to be selected as a
Model for The Raw Beauty Project (in collaboration with the Christopher &
Dana Reeve Foundation), a photography exhibit of women living with disabilities
that showcases their beauty, power and passion, thus educating society to
redefine perceptions of beauty.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love to hear from you! Please become a member to comment. Thank you!
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.