I was told it couldn't be done. My dream was impossible. But on March 3, 2016, after spending 10 years in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down, I took my first steps without assistance. That was no easy task.

My hope is to be the first disabled swimmer on an able-bodied team at the Y Nationals.

I know from my experience as a swimmer that you put in the work and practice, and come game day, your body is ready, and you just have to trust your training.

I grew up a swimmer. I didn't think I could swim without the use of my legs.

When you have a spinal or brain injury, or any kind of devastating illness, you kind of fall through the cracks in a sense. Your world implodes, and no one is really there to help pick up the pieces.