Melissa Davis

Hey everyone, my name is Melisa. I have Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Due to having Spina Bifida, I am paralyzed from the waist down. I use a wheelchair to get myself to places. To control my Hydrocephalus, I have a VP shunt (Vetrical Peratoneal Shunt). In school, I was treated like I did not have a disability, which has taught me how to be independent. Grammar was my favorite subject in school. I was in an elementary school with kids who had all different disabilities. I went to a high school that was integrated with disabled people and non disabled people. The only issue I have now as an adult is constipation that I believe is due to my eating habits. I do not participate in any sports, however I have taken a liking to tennis. I love to get out of the house for a change of scenery. Unfortunately, as of November of last year, I have been on bed rest due to a pressure sore that is having trouble healing on my buttocks. "My advice to parents is this: Let your child have a chance to be a child and grow. Do not assume that because they have a disability, they can not do anything for themselves. Letting them explore is a huge tool of helping them grow". Don't give up-- keep trying until you finally succeed.