Allyson Roach-Watson
My name is Allyson Roach-Watson. I was injured in one of the most horrific wildfires that swept through San Diego County, in October 2003. My family, (though prepared) was caught in that fire and was devastated by the damage it caused. I lost my sister, my home, and I was left with many scars, within and throughout my body.
In the process of evacuating from our home, I was in 2 seperate car accidents. I was burned 2nd and 3rd degree over 86% of my body. All ten of my fingers had to be amputated, and I was hospitalized for over 4 months. After that tragic day, it took me roughly thirty surgeries, a year of physical therapy, strong faith in God, the love and support of my family, and a great deal of patience to fully recover.
I am listed by the state of California as a "Disabled person." I do not agree with that definition, because I believe it is degrading. The actual definition of "Disabled" is: deprived of the power to perform one or more natural bodily activities: physically or mentally impaired in a way that substantially limits activity especially in relation to employment or education.
That description bothers me, because definitions are misinterpreted all the time. They can be, and are viewed differently by everyone who reads them. The only real disability I've ever faced, are other people thinking I'm described by that definition. The human ability to adapt it our greatest asset, and it truly is mine. I am not "Disabled." I have challenges, but that's all they really are. A challenge can be overcome.
We are all effected by the challenges we face each day. It isn't necessarily something we should overcome, but we should understand that it is a constant part of our lives. I like to think of my challenge; my injury, like a shadow: sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't notice it at all, but it's always there, it's always a part of me.
All I used to think of, when I looked at my juries, was; "Ok fine, this really sucks. Now, what's next?" I've never let it stop me from living my life, or from loving life. I'm not going to say "I'm happy that it happened", or that I would do it again if I had the option. I am grateful, however, for the lessons I learned through all of this; lessons that I hope to share with others.
My name is Allyson Roach-Watson. I was injured in one of the most horrific wildfires that swept through San Diego County, in October 2003. My family, (though prepared) was caught in that fire and was devastated by the damage it caused. I lost my sister, my home, and I was left with many scars, within and throughout my body.
In the process of evacuating from our home, I was in 2 seperate car accidents. I was burned 2nd and 3rd degree over 86% of my body. All ten of my fingers had to be amputated, and I was hospitalized for over 4 months. After that tragic day, it took me roughly thirty surgeries, a year of physical therapy, strong faith in God, the love and support of my family, and a great deal of patience to fully recover.
I am listed by the state of California as a "Disabled person." I do not agree with that definition, because I believe it is degrading. The actual definition of "Disabled" is: deprived of the power to perform one or more natural bodily activities: physically or mentally impaired in a way that substantially limits activity especially in relation to employment or education.
That description bothers me, because definitions are misinterpreted all the time. They can be, and are viewed differently by everyone who reads them. The only real disability I've ever faced, are other people thinking I'm described by that definition. The human ability to adapt it our greatest asset, and it truly is mine. I am not "Disabled." I have challenges, but that's all they really are. A challenge can be overcome.
We are all effected by the challenges we face each day. It isn't necessarily something we should overcome, but we should understand that it is a constant part of our lives. I like to think of my challenge; my injury, like a shadow: sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't notice it at all, but it's always there, it's always a part of me.
All I used to think of, when I looked at my juries, was; "Ok fine, this really sucks. Now, what's next?" I've never let it stop me from living my life, or from loving life. I'm not going to say "I'm happy that it happened", or that I would do it again if I had the option. I am grateful, however, for the lessons I learned through all of this; lessons that I hope to share with others.
