53. Breathe and Count Back from Ten Natalia Sylvester

At 17 years old, Veronica wants to reclaim her body. All her life she’s lived with overbearing parents who worry incessantly about the hip condition she was born with and doctor’s who speak of Veronica’s condition as if she’s not even in the room. She has endured multiple surgeries, physical therapy, chronic pain, ableism, and plenty of people who stare and comment on her “disability.” Veronica finds peace in swimming and of her many goals, she wants to be a mermaid. Transcript here