Name: Anna Helmig
Age: 18
Where do you call home? Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
What is your education? What is a current goal you have with your education? I recently graduated from high school and am attending Dickinson College at the end of August to study English and Sociology on a pre-law track. I hope to then attend law school to become a human rights lawyer and advocate for people with disabilities nationally as well as internationally.
Who do you live with? I live with my parents as well as my two dogs, Harley and Dexter.
What’s a typical day for you? Recently, my summer days have been filled with seeing my friends, working my part-time job, and relaxing at home. I anticipate a lot of days spent studying in the near future!
How long have you known you are living with FA? I was diagnosed in the summer of 2015 when a doctor noticed a curvature in my spine and my imbalanced walk.
Are there any others with FA in your family? No one else in my family has FA.
Describe your transition from walking to using a wheelchair. I walked unassisted until I got to seventh grade. I began to use a wheelchair at the start of my freshman year of high school.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I love to swim and do yoga! I also play archery.
Do you have any hobbies or special interests? I’m a big reader! I’ve already accomplished my GoodReads goal for this year!
What is a good trick to make daily life easier? Allow yourself the time to do what you need to get done. Good time management has been a skill I’ve really been working on recently.
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? I think about the skills and people in my life I am grateful to have.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? I’ve met some of the greatest FAmily members ever!
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? “Have courage and be kind” – Cinderella. I used to have a necklace that said this and that I loved so much! This is really meaningful to me and something I strive to do my best achieving every day.
Interview by
Jamie Plourde