Overcoming Adversity: A Story of Perseverance and Resilience

A young student athlete has shared her inspiring story of battling two life-altering health conditions: Bell's Palsy and hearing loss. At the age of six, she was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, which left her with limited facial control and a sense of uncertainty about her future. Despite the challenges, she found solace in soccer and eventually became a goalkeeper, using her unique position to regain a sense of belonging on the field. However, the condition has left her with permanent hearing loss, requiring her to wear hearing aids in the classroom and develop coping mechanisms to navigate everyday conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• The student athlete, Austin, was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy at the age of six, which left her with limited facial control and a sense of uncertainty about her future.
• Despite the challenges, Austin found solace in soccer and eventually became a goalkeeper, using her unique position to regain a sense of belonging on the field.
• The student athlete has permanent hearing loss, requiring her to wear hearing aids in the classroom and develop coping mechanisms to navigate everyday conversations.
• Austin learned to read people's lips and pay attention to key words to piece together what they were trying to say when she didn't hear a full sentence.
• The student athlete's experiences have taught her that her health conditions do not define who she is.
• Austin is the first collegiate athlete in her family and credits her determination and perseverance for her success.

Statistics:

• 3 months: The time it took Austin to regain control in her face after being diagnosed with Bell's Palsy.
• 7 years old: The age when Austin finally found out what caused her Bell's Palsy, a viral infection.
• 100% control: Austin still does not have control in her face due to delayed muscle development from being young and developing when diagnosed.
• 3 sets: The number of times Austin had tubes put in due to ear infections.
• Permanent hearing loss: Austin has permanent hearing loss, requiring her to wear hearing aids in the classroom.

Sources:

• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (n.d.)
• Personal statement from Austin (n.d.)