NEW DELHI
Nadia Lauricella, 28, was born with a rare condition called Phocomelia in which the child is either born with shortened or no limbs at all. She was born with no arms and with malformed legs.
This rare condition is mostly inherited and can also be caused by mother’s exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy. So far, scientists have found no cure for this condition.
According to the so far information gathered the incidence of phocomelia varies from 0.6 per 1,00,000 live births to 4.2 per 1,00,000 live births throughout the world but the factors leading to true phocomelia are not exactly known.
Shaista Fatima of Awaz-the Voice got in touch with Nadia, who lives lift to the fullest’ is a social media influencer, and a motivational speaker. Having met the lowest point in her life she gathered herself and rebuilt from scratch.
Here are excerpts from her conversation:
Please walk us through your journey?
My name is Nadia, I am 28 years old, I live in Italy in Racalmuto. I was born with a rare condition called phocomelia which involves a lack of upper limbs and a malformation in the leg but all this has never stopped me.
What was the lowest point in your life?
The most difficult moment was my adolescence, I saw myself different from my cortana and I suffered a lot. The happiest moment I have now is that I have taken my life back in my hand.
When did you decide to bounce back?
I recovered 5 years ago by finally deciding to have leg prosthesis and finally I was able to walk. From there, infinite doors opened to me like sports and autonomy.
Has anyone approached you with advice?
It often happens to me that many ask me for tips and tricks on how to recover from bad times.
Who all are there in your family?
My family consists of my mom, dad, brother an older sister and my twin sister
Was your condition recognised during the pregnancy of your parents?
No, my condition was not discovered during pregnancy by doctors, my parents discovered it at my birth.
Any advice for the readers..
I would like to advise those who are reading that although life knows how to hit us hard there will always be a road that leads to happiness!
What do you do for a living?
At the moment I am making my livelihood by being a social media influencer, I hope to grow slowly and steadily.
What are your plans for future?
My future projects are: to be able to create a family of my own, to be able to make my way into the world of fashion by demonstrating that there can be room for disability, and I would also like to create my own make-up line.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy is: only those who dream learn to fly and I have always believed in my dreams
How do you cope with internet trolls?
I face them by ignoring them, I have no time for their wickedness.
What are your expectations from life?
I expect and expect so much from myself, I am very strict sometimes. I want to improve my autonomy more and more.
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