DOCTORS told her she would never be able to breathe, speak or eat on her own – but Alyssa has been proving doubters wrong since the day she was born. Alyssa’s spine was broken during her birth when doctors were forced to “keep pulling her out” whilst using forceps. Her spinal cord shattered and because of this and other complications, Alyssa is now wheelchair bound and will be on a ventilator for the rest of her life. Despite the inevitable hardship this has brought on, Alyssa, from New York, describes her “biggest achievement” as marrying her partner, Jimmy. Jimmy now helps Alyssa every day with physical chores and activities, whilst in return, Alyssa has helped Jimmy to understand the true meaning of positive thinking and mental strength. Alyssa, 29, told Barcroft TV: “The fact that I even got married, is like a huge accomplishment for me. Jimmy has helped me build confidence.” Before meeting Jimmy, Alyssa had struggled in her dating life. Alyssa considers herself lucky in the sense of the support she has received from close family and friends - particularly during her childhood and school years. Alyssa has taken to social media in order to spread her positivity, and help raise awareness, to the masses. Alyssa is hoping to start a family with Jimmy in the future – continuing to prove people wrong. She said: “I’m very proud of myself and what I do. “And with the future? Who knows. Hopefully it holds children. We’ll see, we’ll see what happens.”
