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Dyslexia and Diapers Disabilities are challenges that offer the opportunity, difficult and frustrating as they maybe, to be exceptional.

When I was a child I was incorrectly labeled as mentally delayed (I am actually dyslexic with 3 specific learning disorders) and placed in special education throughout elementary school. By middle school I was excelling in gifted and talented programs, graduated high school with AP classes and a high "A" average, and later received my college degree with high academic honors.

Since childhood I had wetting problems (bladder incontinence) that occurred day and night that was later diagnosed as interstitial cystitis and neurogenic bladder. Despite needing to be in extra absorbent (bulky) diapers 24/7 I am physically active. I go out hiking, camping, traveling to foreign countries (most recent was Japan) and I earned my black belt in martial arts a few years ago.

From 2004-2009 I was diagnosed with a host of auto-immune issues including thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, and crohn's disease. Due to these issues, especially crohns, I have had to drop classes and work out a different schedule with my employer (I almost lost my job after being ill for over a year). That is not mention the acute pain, fatigue, and nausea only salted by the embarrassment of occasional bowel incontinence (thank goodness for the diapers, lol). Yet I am still pursuing further education, working successfully in a rewarding career, and volunteering for the community.

I am certainly not grateful for the disabilities in my life. In contrast, am determined to defy them. However I may ironically owe my greatest accomplishments to the adversity they created, and most certainly for the support and care of my friends and family.

I am looking for a strong willed girl who understands what is like living with a disability and likewise will not be halted by the challenges they create. Someone who is mutually supportive, kind, and understanding.