I was told it couldn't be done. My dream was impossible. But on March 3, 2016, after spending 10 years in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down, I took my first steps without assistance. That was no easy task.
— Victoria Arlen
I love to swim, and what I have been able to do - give people hope.
I grew up a swimmer. I didn't think I could swim without the use of my legs.
I want the other Victorias out there, the people that are suffering or going through something, to keep fighting.
It started off with flu-like symptoms and pain; then, I started feeling really funny. In two weeks, I was paralyzed from the waist down, and it spiraled down from there. Every ability I had was slowly slipping away.
I was told that I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.
Swimming is still very much a part of me.
I learned early on that extraordinary challenges lead to extraordinary victories.
The big thing for me is just continuing to be a beacon of hope. And showing people that nothing is impossible.
