Anita Correa: The Powerful Crystal Woman

“You set your own limits”

Ana Correa, 23 years old, was born in Panama City with a disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta , a condition that attacks the bones and makes them extremely fragile .

But if there's one thing Anita isn't, it's fragile. She's the complete opposite: She loves to dance, laugh, be constantly on the move, study, and learn about what she loves, which is why she always keeps her spirits high and lives with the utmost optimism. She believes that nothing ever stops her, because everyone is born with their own destiny.

We'd like to share a summary of her inspiring story with you in this exclusive video for Theramart:

Recently graduated in Social Communication, Anita has had a long road to travel, and, despite all the obstacles and the efforts of her family, friends, and to a greater extent her own determination , today she is a fulfilled woman who transmits all her charisma, beauty and sympathy to those around her.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that causes bones to fracture easily because it affects the way the body produces collagen.

What it's like to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Anita doesn't like to view her life from a place of sadness or pity. She believes we all have our own battles we must face in order to achieve each goal.

This is why, every day, you have to look for something positive to move forward, and that's how she embarks on adventures despite her mobility difficulties. That's why she dares to travel, go out into the world, study, and become an influencer with more than 71,000 followers on social media.

For this young Panamanian woman, her mother has been and remains her fundamental pillar. She took full responsibility for her when her father decided not to participate in her upbringing or that of her twin sister. For Anita, her mother is everything.

Tips for facing adversity in an optimistic way

There are two phrases Ana Correa repeats to herself daily, and they have been the cornerstone of all her achievements and successes. We'd like to share them with you, along with a reflection.

“Life is too beautiful to complain, you have to find the positive side.”

Anita knows she has a physical and motor disability that prevents her from easily doing many of the things she would like to do. However, her disability has never been a limitation for her ; she has always tried to achieve her dreams.

Maybe it took you longer than others, or maybe you had to put in three times as much effort. Anita believes that everyone has their own battles and should complete them in their own time .

Ana takes it easy, surrounds herself with people who add value to her life, and enjoys it as much as she can . This is how, in addition to being a great dancer, she has been able to complete her studies in Social Communication and work in what she loves.

“No one is worth less than anyone else, and we are all worth the same as everyone else.”

 In everyday life, we face many more obstacles than just physical ones; prejudice, discrimination, and a lack of integration or empathy for diversity can be even greater limitations than a disability .

A society that doesn't learn to share and integrate is more harmful than a disease, as it hinders people's lives simply by failing to conform to what the norm dictates.

This is why short people like Anita cannot move around comfortably and easily due to the lack of adaptability of the infrastructure.

Not considering diversity is like devaluing people. Calling someone in a wheelchair "disabled" means saying they have no value or utility . And in the words of Ana Correa: we are all equal in value.

Did you know Anita Correa? Has her story inspired you? We'd love to hear your thoughts and know if you know anyone with a mobility disability. Share this story if you think it might help someone!

Valeria Jiménez is a Colombian woman who became known to many in her country through a major media scandal. But through her advocacy, she awakened many other voices in her country demanding inclusion. Learn her story.