Hi.  My name is Emily. I will be 42 soon.  I was born with Spina Bifida.  I am paralyzed from basically the middle of the back on down...between L3 & L4.  I use a manual wheelchair.  I used braces and crutches until I was 11 and had a Spinal Fusion, then I decided that I really had more freedom in a wheelchair because I could use both hands.  I graduated High School from a mainstream school.  I have taken several ROP classes and received certificates in several areas. I am not currently working.  I found last time that I did work that I was getting sick every few months with Kidney infections so I haven't held a full time job since then.  I am active in my church and have a leadership responsibility in it.  I volunteer also for my church.  I have a hobby making cards using stamps and inks etc.  I love it.  I have friends that I do classes with and we have a lot of fun.  I have had about 10 major surgeries.  I have a VP shunt that has never had to be revised or replaced.  I feel very blessed for that.  I have had surgeries on my legs, hips, back, brain and bladder.  I would be doing a disservice by saying that it has always been easy, but I would also be doing a disservice by saying that it has been awful.  I have had a good life.  I have supportive parents (who, by the way, adopted me) and who have loved me and made my life great.  I am happy and I feel I have done my best so far.  Keep the faith.  It's worth it!