Project3x5

Sometimes in life you may lose a suitcase, but find a Disney star… that’s my motto!

Well look who was on my flight to Chicago! Based on my last post, isn’t it funny how life works? Never EVER give up on hope & faith! Good things are ALWAYS just around the corner.

You know Roshon as the fresh-faced, original, and crazy-talented teen - with the killer dimples, we can’t forget those! - who stole America’s hearts on “Dancing with the Stars Season 14” (also starring: “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd, Telenovela star William Levy, Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins, and (winner) NFL Wide Receiver Donald Driver). Of course, there’s always the chance you might also know him from his very own Disney Channel series “Shake it Up”. Or perhaps the “Camp Rock” movies he did with The Jonas Brothers & Demi Lovato (but whose ever heard of those kids, right? - ha!)

I know Roshon as incredibly kind, extremely down-to-earth, and eager to lend a helping hand in any way he possibly can. He honestly, truly, 100% remembers who he is and where he came from. BUT even better (can you believe there’s an even better?!) - he is 100% honestly and truly one of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. 

But wait??? (Apart, of course, from the fact that this should be living proof that your life CAN very quickly make a negative to positive turn around in the space of less than a day) What does Roshon have to do with CRPS/RSD?

Well…

Sitting (somewhat) patiently in my wheelchair to board the flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, I began chatting with the very friendly strangers next to me. While awkward and weird to many, if you know me, this is not at all uncommon - you never know who you might meet :). Suddenly, I looked up and was blinded by Roshon’s popstar smile as it got closer, and clOSer, and CLOSER. Random, but as fate would have it I’d been talking to his parents!

Roshon and I have met already, but I know that he would have been just as friendly, engaging, and gracious either way. His parents and I had been discussing my condition and my upcoming procedures in Chicago, so, he very politely took the opportunity to ask, “Wait, what exactly is it that’s wrong with you?”

My story began and he patiently listened, taking it all in with shock and disbelief. After all, my tricky little illness - while excruciatingly painful on the inside - can often be invisible on the outside, remember?

As the flight was finally called, I reached into my purse and pulled out an orange rubber bracelet, signifying awareness for nerve pain - namely CRPS/RSD. Roshon happily slipped it on, waving goodbye as I was wheeled away.

Life is beautiful. God is good. People can be great. We must NEVER give up hope and we must NEVER stop fighting for awareness and a cure.