Chelsea Rae Huggins – a PhotoAbility Model
Why do we feel so strongly about the importance of “Inclusion” in Media, marketing and advertising?
Because ALL our stories deserve to be told. Diversity of experiences enrich the souls of those who may not have not walked the same path. Making the world accessible, available and open so that ALL abilities can share the dream will make us all better individually and as a society. Here is another personal story of one of PhotoAbility.net’s Models
Now why wouldn’t YOU want to purchase her photos for your Inclusive marketing efforts or hire this amazing model for your next campaign? Contact us for more info or complete our Model Inquiry on our site to see how you can hire models who represent the POWER of Inclusion!
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The story of Chelsea Rae Huggins:
“On this very day, two years ago, I walked for the last time. Around 9:30 p.m. October 7, 2010, my life was forever transformed, completely. Never in a million years would I have thought that my abilities would be taken away in the matter of seconds, nor would I have thought that I could possibly be completely happy bound to a wheelchair.
My senior year of high school, I wrote that in ten years I see myself on the cover of a magazine, being as modeling was and IS my dream. I still plan to accomplish that and more! I refuse to allow my current situation to hinder me. I will not set boundaries to my life, but strive to go above and beyond. Two years ago, I could barely move my arms or even hold my head up; today, I am now able to brush my teeth, wash my face, feed myself, apply my mascara (perfectly), use my cellphone, type on my laptop, pull myself forward while in chair, work my hardest at pushing myself back up while forward in lap, and best of all: give my absolute all at therapy to meet my full potential. I do bicep curls with 10 lbs., increasing weekly!
My favorite accomplishment is that I am now able to push myself a little in my manual chair! Each time I accomplish something new, it is absolutely the most terrific feeling I’ve ever experienced to know that I gained something, from WORKING for it. Good does NOT come to those who wait for it. I waited a year and a half, then after becoming fed up, I gave life everything I had.
Just recently, I was on the news, have completed several paintings, my driver evaluation is not this coming week but the following, I will be attending an Artist’s Market in November, have two appointments scheduled to consult with different surgeons about surgeries that will lead to me being more independent, of course still in process of attending college once more, and received a phone call last week and at the end of November I will be showcasing MY artwork to sell! I cannot wait to look back in a year to see how much more I’ve accomplished.
This occurrence in my life has made me fully aware of my worth, beauty, and STRENGTH. I am beyond grateful of my life. I do not have any reason to complain, I am alive, breathing, and LIVING. The LAST thing I desire is sympathy; that’s one thing I despise.
My chair is a part of me, which I will never be ashamed of, but proud. To those who have informed me that I have in some way inspired or motivated them, KNOW that YOU have played the biggest role in me striving to push forward, and forever will I be grateful! It has been far from easy at times, but I’m bound and determined to make every second of frustration, impatience, hurt and every single tear worth it. To my Mother, thank you and I love you. I assure you, in due time I will repay you for all you’ve done for me.
Chelsea has a Facebook page for her art.
See Chelsea’s gallery on PhotoAbility