Have you ever thought about your body and felt you could look a lot better? Well, when you're done reading this post, you'll be thinking a lot differently.
Looking at the selfies and some Instagram photos of a 28-year-old model, Jillian Mercado, you wouldn’t know she uses a wheelchair and even after knowing that, you would not guess she has been living with Spastic Muscular Dystrophy since she was a little girl.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
Due to her condition, Jillian has lived under scrutiny for her physique. Having been living with her condition for years, the Dominican beauty has faced all odds – from being bullied for being different in high school to having to stand taller than others in the fashion industry.
She recently took a bold step by posing naked for Curves The Book. Since then, she has been photographed by fashion magazines, invited to fashion runways, and even worked behind-the-scenes as a style editor.
She is now signed to IMG Models, the same modelling agency that represents names like Joan Smalls, Karlie Kloss and Kate Moss.
Some people who have muscular dystrophy will eventually lose the ability to walk. Some may have trouble breathing or swallowing.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. But medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease.
Her story is so amazing and I hope this has inspired you as much as it has me. Moral: No matter your condition, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.
Have a lovely day everyone!
Photo Credit: Instagram.com/Jilly_Pepper