Amber Jams

My name is Amber. I was born May 21,1991 in Columbus Ohio. I was born with Spina Bifida as well as Hydrocephalus. My first surgery was when I was 24 hours old to close my back. Due to the Hydrocephalus, I had to have 2 Ventrical Peritoneal shunts placed and the first one was placed when I was 13 days old and the other when I was 2. At 6 months old, I had to have a tendent release surgery. At 18 months old, I had to have a surgery to straighten my legs so they had to break both of my legs and turn the bones almost completely around.

Growing up with Spina Bifida has had many challenges from pains and aches daily to being bullied, Having Spina has had its positive sides for me as well. It's taught me to appreciate the small things in life. Things like being able to walk, talk, and feed myself, because these are all things doctors said I would never be able to do.

Some days are better than others as I get older, I am now dealing with a dislocated hip on top of everything else. I am not walking as much as before. But even with being in the wheelchair more than I would like to be I am still living life just like everyone else. I have an amazing boyfriend who is so understanding and patient. I also have a step son who doesn't see me as disabled but as his second mom who he is just as capable of having fun with as he is his real mom.

I also have gotten into photography and have begun working with my friend who started her own magazine for local underground hip hop artists in our state. I have gotten to meet a lot of artists that I never thought I would and have just as much fun in the crowds as anyone else. My story is not yet over. But no matter what comes my way, even with having Spina Bifida, I know that nothing can stop me unless I let it!