My name is Tayla and I was born with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which my spinal cord didn’t develop properly when I was in my mom’s womb. I also have executive functioning disorder, chronic migraines, chronic pain and a whole list of other medical conditions. Before I was born, doctors said I wouldn’t be able to walk or do much – but I proved them all wrong! I can walk though it’s difficult for me so I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user because it helps me save my strength and energy. I wear braces to help support my legs and ankles because I don’t have any feeling or control of the muscles below my knees.
I’m a seven-sport athlete. The ones I love are: adaptive track & field, adaptive powerlifting, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, adaptive Taekwondo, dance, and horseback riding. I’m hoping to continue my participation in adaptive field events in college and study sports management.
I volunteer at wheelchair basketball for two different teams and also at adaptive sports camps and veteran’s events in our area. My butterfly is the colors of the Paralympics because I’m working on training for the 2028 Paralympics.
Perfect Through and Through 