My Spinal Cord Injury
Hello, my name is Monique, I'm 21 years old, and I live in the city of Queimados in Rio de Janeiro. I've been married for 7 years, and I'm a paraplegic. Three years ago I fell from the second floor in my home which wounded my bone marrow and fractured my L1.
Recovering From Spinal Cord Injury
I do rehabilitation today that helps me a lot in my recovery. I am independent and do everything that all ordinary people do; go out, walk, housework, taking pictures, etc. I will not stop being beautiful because I never stopped smiling despite my spinal cord injury.
Just Keep Smiling
I never feel down because when you have people around you who want the best for you, it is impossible to feel down. I am much happier today, stronger, and I do not see my chair as a "7-headed animal." My chair does not offer me anything except serving as an accessory for my beauty.
People give me different looks wherever I go, and I hear whispers "so beautiful but in a wheelchair." I understand why they think of me this way; they do not see me different because I'm in a wheelchair, but because I always have a smile on my face.
