The epic journey of Mylenka Budrovich

“I am a person who, when I set my mind to something, doesn't rest until I achieve it.” - Mylenka Budrovich

Originally from Valparaíso, Chile, Mylenka Budrovich was born with a condition called myelomeningocele , better known as spina bifida . Although she was able to get around on her own with the aid of a pair of canes, she suffered from a hip infection during her teens that forced her to remain wheelchair-bound.

Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the spine and spinal canal fail to close during pregnancy and remain incomplete. This causes the bones of the spine to not form properly and protrude.

According to MedlinePlus , myelingocele can affect 1 in every 4,000 babies.

Despite her mobility difficulties, Mylenka has become a singer, model, makeup artist, and mother . Her disability has not been a limitation for her, but rather a significant challenge in achieving her goals.

Her dreams and aspirations are far greater than her limitations , which is why she is so admirable and possesses such contagious energy. Let us summarize her story with this exclusive video note for Theramart:

“You’ll never walk again,” they told little Mylenka, and that gave her even more strength to prove otherwise.

Mylenka was born with a spinal deformity, and from a very early age, this predisposed her life to a situation where things would not be so simple. Carmen Villena and her father, Alfredo, knew that their daughter, due to the myelomeningocele, could also suffer neurological damage . However, despite all predictions, this ultimately did not happen.

Due to her illness and the disability she had in her legs, Milenka underwent several surgeries and operations on her hip , but unfortunately, one of them damaged her lower limbs, further complicating her prognosis of walking normally.

Credit: YouTube.com/Teletón Chile

Shortly after, through a grassroots fundraising campaign, Teletón Chile helped the Budrovich family undertake rehabilitation for Mylenka, who was five years old at the time.

After much work and rigorous exercises, he managed to stand up with the help of canes and regained part of his life and independence .

For a long time, everything was very happy for Mylenka and her family, and although she walked with canes and with some difficulty, she was an independent and restless girl with great curiosity about the world.

With the help of his brother, he learned to sing and play the guitar, and as a teenager, his love for music grew by leaps and bounds. His talent was undeniable. He participated in competitions and television programs, and enrolled at the University of Valparaíso to study for a degree in music.

But everything changed when, at 22, she had to be hospitalized for a hip infection, which left her confined to a wheelchair once again.

Just when Mylenka felt that her life was finally in order, that she was doing what she loved most and was truly satisfied with her achievements, a new circumstance twisted her destiny and sent her back to square one.

After three months of fever, Mylenka had to be hospitalized with a hip infection. It was a very painful nine years for the Budrovich family , who accompanied their daughter through a long period where her future was grim and where prostration seemed to be the end of her film. Part of her hip had to be removed, leaving her unable to walk.

Upon returning home, Mylenka realized how much her parents were trying to help her, even putting their own health on the back burner to support her. She realized she didn't want to become a burden to anyone and redoubled her efforts to get back on her feet . This time, she wasn't willing to let herself fall again.

At 26, she was back on her feet with new goals to accomplish. Giving up has never been an option for Mylenka Budrovich.

Not only did she never give up, but many good things have happened in Mylenka's life since those painful days of the past.

She became independent again, even in her wheelchair, she dedicated herself to music again, she found love, she was the mother of Andresito , she dedicated herself to modeling in Miss Inclusive with Paula Miranda , who is another of our Theramart influencers . 

Mylenka also participated in Miss Wheelchair 2018, representing Chile in Poland, and today she has her own beauty business, becoming a professional makeup and manicurist.

Credit: Instagram.com/mylebudrovich

Tips for facing adversity

Mylenka was always very clear that she didn't want to be a burden to anyone , neither to others nor to herself. She saw her goals on the horizon, and achieving them was a personal mission.

Although she often felt frustrated, she tried to adapt to every situation with the philosophy that it might take a little longer than the rest, but that she would surely arrive , or at least exhaust all avenues.

Among the things she never imagined she could achieve, because it wasn't in her plans, was being a mother . Today, Andrés is one of the most important people in her life and one of the things she doesn't regret. Her pregnancy was at risk due to her motor disability and history of hip problems, but she gave birth at full term, and nothing has stopped her from carrying out her role as a mother normally.

He recommends doing what you love, like music, in his case. Through it, he can express everything he feels and channel all his emotions, good or bad. Focusing on what he enjoys is one of the keys to self-improvement and not falling when there seems to be no way out .

Accepting our bodies because they're beautiful and unique is another of the lessons Mylenka has learned and reflects on today. She confessed that for a long time, she couldn't stand being photographed ; she hated seeing herself in a wheelchair. But today she feels beautiful and sexy because that perception goes beyond the exterior; it's an internal work of love and wisdom.

Mylenka's story has moved us, and made us think that even when it seems like everything is lost , there is always a small glimmer of hope that activates our entire mechanism and makes us act.

Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us, love us, and support us also seems to be a fundamental key to strengthening us and encouraging us to go out into the world.

Loving and accepting ourselves as we are without being guided by established beauty standards and appreciating everything around us can be very helpful in strengthening our self-esteem. Loving ourselves is a difficult but solid path.

Did you know Mylenka Budrovich? Has her story inspired you? We'd love for you to share a comment below. Also, if you think this story could be encouraging to someone, don't hesitate to share it!