ecoearthmall:

thedailywhat:

Feel-Good Story of the Day: 32-year-old Salem, MA resident Sheila Radziewicz was born without arms or kneecaps due to a congenital disorder known as thrombocytopenia-absent radius. Doctors told her parents she might not be long for this world, and, at the very least, would never be able to walk. Next month, Sheila will likely become the proud owner of a black belt in taekwondo.

From the Salem News:

She endured multiple surgeries as a young girl, all aimed at helping her walk. Until she was in junior high, Radziewicz had to wear metal braces that stopped at the top of her thigh, similar to the ones the character Forrest Gump wore in the movie. […]

Reaching such heights in the realm of martial arts is laudable for anyone. For Radziewicz to do it is nearly a miracle.

“I grew up with the phrase, ‘The impossible only takes a little longer,’” she said.

[tsn / photos: ap.]