MISS BRAZIL
Hi , I am Ana , the Brazilian representative at Miss Wheelchair World !
My life with a wheelchair began in 1997 at 17 when I was shot during a sexual assault . I am now a paraplegic and fight for the rights of all disabled people .
Though I live in a city with no accessibility , I did not let it stop me from doing the things I wanted to do . I have gone on to graduate in social relations with a post-graduate in social media . Since 1999 , I have worked for different Brazilian companies and saved money to buy a car to help with mobility issues .
In 2016 I weighed 110kg . I have always been overweight . Though I had stomach reduction surgery , I am still overweight ; however , the 45kg I lost helped me improve my mobility and autonomy .
For me , Miss Wheelchair World is not about showing a person ’ s beauty but showing that a woman with or without a disability can be and do whatever she wants .
I have done many things , including rappelling , riding a hand bike , and cosplays like Merida , from the Disney movie “ Brave ”. I have gone to the beach dressed as a mermaid , done poi juggling and have fun in bars and parties . I have also traveled throughout Brazil and abroad alone .
On Instagram , I have approximately nine thousand followers . It is where I show my routine , videos and photos discussing accessibility and how important it is for the world to be inclusive , so we may all live as we wish to .
To be selected to compete in Miss Wheelchair World is a celebration of my work toward the visibility of disabled people . I come from Carapicuíba , the São Paulo state of Brazil and am a 41-year-old overweight woman . I am not ashamed to be who and how I am .
I want to say : Do not be ashamed of who you are . Love yourself , and do not be afraid to look for the best in life .
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