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My name is April Michele. I was born on December 13, 1976 in Louisville, KY.
I am 34 years old and a member of the Cathedral Church. My disability is KlippelTrenaunay-Weber syndrome, which I was born with.
As a child, I had a great upbringing with a very supportive and loving family. My
family and friends never treated or looked at me any differently.
My school years were great and when I graduated from DuPont Manual High School
in 1995, I received my diploma with much pride and satisfaction. I attended technical
school for two semesters but secured a full time job and stopped school to begin
working. I have had three jobs in my lifetime; the longest job I held was for eight years
as a Support Specialist with a major health care insurance company. I had to stop
working due to health issues in 2007.
When I was younger the doctors told my mom that I would never graduate high
school, hold a job, live independently or drive a car. I am very proud to say I have
accomplished all of these things including driving and owning my own car.
I feel I have achieved a lot in my lifetime because I have tried to live life to the fullest
and as normal as possible and with GOD on my side, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. I
have some limitations, but I don’t let that stop me from doing what I have to do. I am a
strong and independent person. I don’t ask anyone for anything unless I absolutely need
“I feel I have achieved a lot in my lifetime
because I have tried to live life to the fullest
and as normal as possible and with GOD
on my side, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
I have some limitations, but I don’t let that
stop me from doing what I have to do.”
it. At this point in my life I would like a job that I could work at part-time and continue
on with my life and enjoy being “JUST ME!”
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The Sturge-Weber Foundation