My Life, My Rules My Style, My Attitude
The book is inspired by me.
I suddenly fell ill when I was 12 years old and discovered that I had a rare genetic disorder that affects me physically at most.
I ran, jumped, danced… grew up like any “normal” kid… like a tom-boy with shorts and a t-shirt climbing trees and full of mischief. But, I loved dressing up and wearing high-heeled shoes and parading around the house. When I was 12 years old, my whole life sort of froze. I was angry, sad and depressed… and the next year was high school for me… and going to high school is a daunting process for any child and it can make or break you.
I focused mainly on my 5 years at high school, growing up. I experienced a lot more than most kids my age and had more challenges and obstacles along the way. I take the reader on a journey through my life and hopefully you will understand my feelings and me better. I survived losing myself on so many levels but I came back stronger, mentally. It built my character and taught me life lessons and skills.
People always ask: “given the opportunity, would I go back and do things differently?”
My response is always “No, what happened to me is what made me into the person I am today and I don’t want to change that!”
I grew up like any child but am now living life as a “disabled” person. I would call myself “physically challenged” that makes more sense to me. No one can truly say they “accept” what has happened to them, and neither can I…
But, I am living “my” life as a quadriplegic!
About the Author
Nevonia Moodley
I am Nevonia Moodley. I am 34 years old and a first time author.
I have lived and seen life from both, the perspective of an able-bodied person and a disabled person, alike. Which means I have +/- 15 years of experience so I do believe I am “well in my right” to speak on behalf of myself and other disabled person/s.
With determination and perseverance I successfully completed my matric… then, went on to university to complete my “National Higher Certificate: Accountancy”, “National Diploma: Internal Auditing”, and a course in “Counselling”. I am an overall people person and my knowledge and understanding of “physical disability” and an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, has definitely grown.
I worked for one of the biggest names in the disability sector, Mr Ari Seirlis, who at the time, was the CEO of the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa (QASA). He was my teacher and mentor. He always offered his guidance and direction, and called me “The Disability Activist”… until this day we still remain good friends.
There is a need for accommodation for quad’s and para’s, here in South Africa… which I have experienced, personally.
Someday, I would like to open up a centre that can accommodate quadriplegic’s and paraplegics, on a permanent basis. Providing a safe and care free environment where they can live independently and with dignity… free from judgement and bias.
Please do check out my Facebook page and Instagram, www.facebook.com/nivnurvz22 and www.instagtam.com/mlmr_msma – to learn more and connect with me!
For a signed copy, please contact the author below.
Please indicate your name, phone number and reason for inquiry.