DEMI'S ASPIRATION
My Journey to fulfilment
Hiya, this is my Journey !
From a young age, life has not been easy for me. It has been filled with setbacks, challenges I was forced to embrace, and moments that tested my strength. However, through every obstacle, I have continued to push forward and become a stronger, redefined version of myself. Everything I am today was shaped by everything I almost gave up. on.
As a young adult, living with a disability, I was forced to improve my confidence and mindset in order to change the narration of what I thought my future could look like, if ignored, but also change the way I see myself. My goal is to inspire others who feel broken, hopeless, or afraid, so that their never-ending tears turn into strength, success and victory.
Life has been like an unpredictable roller coaster, filled with highs and lows, struggles and triumphs. Along the way, I have learned that challenges are unavoidable, but giving up should never be an option. As a firm believer in God, verses such as Romans 8 verse 18 and Jeremiah 30 verse 17 became a source of strength and comfort throughout my journey. It was the 'lamp to my path' that directed me. As the saying goes, "For every challenge encountered, there is an opportunity for growth".
One of the greatest challenges I have faced is living with scoliosis, also referred to as a spinal curvature. Throughout my childhood, I endured years of countless surgeries and treatments in hope of improving my posture and quality of life. In 2012, doctors inserted 2 magnetic rods into my spine to reduce the number of surgeries I would need in the future. For about 3 to 4 years after this procedure, I received treatment with a specialised machine designed to lengthen the rods as I grew, further improving my posture and height.
Although my family and I were eventually told that specific treatment would come to an end once I reached my maximum height, I still held onto the hope that one day I would be able to complete the final surgery to fully straighten my spine. Unfortunately, doctors later explained that the risks involved were too great. Hearing that was absolutely heartbreaking because it was something I had dreamed about for years. However, I also came to realise that my worth was never dependent on having that "perfect" body. I had already survived so much, and that alone was something to be proud of.
Growing up I was bullied relentlessly because of the way I looked. People compared me to hurtful things - a camel because of the humps on my back, a turtle because of the bumps, "Mrs Hunchback", and many other cruel names. Instead of seeing my strength, they chose to focus on the differences. Their words made me feel isolated and unwanted, as though being disabled somehow made me inferior. Many rejected me and shoved me to the side using their harsh terms and phrases in which they called an "expression". At times, it felt as though they believed 'disabled lives don't matter'. But despite the pain, I never allowed their opinions to define my future.
Today I am studying at University - something younger me could only dream of during the darkest moments of my life. The same girl who once cried because she felt different is now pursuing a career dedicated to helping others, healing people, and making a positive difference in the world. If my younger self could see where I am today, she would be overwhelmed with joy.
She would finally realise that all the pain, tears, surgeries, and setbacks did not destroy her - they shaped her into someone resilient, compassionate and determined.
Most importantly, she would thank God every single day for giving her the strength to keep going when life felt impossible.
My journey has taught me that true beauty lies in perseverance, faith, and self-confidence. I may have faced rejection, judgement, and hardship, but I also discovered inner strength that no one can take away from me. I want others, especially young people struggling with disabilities, insecurities, or bullying, to know that their story does not end with pain. Your struggles do not define your future. With faith, determination, and inner confidence, you can rise above every obstacle and become someone you are extremely proud of.
My Sister's support
She has always been supporting me through it all. I am able to see and feel her pain when I go through many painful things. She is one of the reasons why I do everything I am doing today because she motivates me.
Sometimes I feel bad for my sister because I've always been the centre of attention and she might feel left out. She may have felt it sometimes but she has never shown it. I am thankful to God that she is able to understand and support me through my journey.
My Mother's support
I am so grateful for my mother. She is my best friend. She's been there for me through it all. She always supports me with whatever makes me happy.
She made sure that when bullies hurt me, my frown turns around to a smile. She is my best medicine. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. My journey so far has been a struggle but she never gave up on me and stayed by my side. She never lacked on hope. She is my inspiration and role model. I am so grateful To God for her. Words can't describe it.
My Mum and Sister's Testimonies
My mother's testimony
My name is Anita and I am Demilade's mum. Where do I start from? How can you tell the story of a child that goes through surgery every 6 months for years either for cardiac or scoliosis, in a small paragraph? I am just a woman thanking God for turning my wailing into dancing. I call her an angel because she has gone through so much with a smile across her face. As you may have read or seen in this website, she has battled and conquered many surgeries including the ones that put her life at risk. She has never been alone from the start of her journey as God has never left her side and He is merciful and ever faithful. He has sent some wonderful and selfless men and women of God, Surgeons, Consultants and Nurses who have made the journey bearable for us till now. Despite the pain and agony, I have never thought of losing hope even though there were many challenges. As a mother, hearing that my child is being bullied is like a knife stabbing my chest because I know what she has been through in her life. Today I am grateful that those hurtful and horrible events have made her stronger. This message is for all mothers who are going through similar situations to never lose hope as there is light at the end of the tunnel.
We can all do what we set our mind to no matter the walls/barriers that may come in between, because if you climb them stress free the sky would then become your next limit.
You can achieve so much, but you need to jump over the obstacles in the way.
Overcome your insecurities, fears and weakness because once you do, all your dreams then become possible to achieve.