Kristin Duquette

Kristin Duquette (http://mobile.courant.com/news.jsp?key=145500&rc=la)

When nine year old, Kristin Duquette was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, the prognosis was bleak. The disease made Kristin tire quickly, lose muscle strength, fall over her own feet and struggle with everyday activities like walking. What made matters worse was the disease squashed her childhood dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer

My hero is Kristin Duquette, she lives in East Hartford Connecticut and was born March 6, 1991. Hard work, determination and intense training have led to improvements that have surprised medical experts and rekindled the sixteen year-olds' hopes. Kristin retaught her body to swim by studying techniques on the web and getting assistance from trainers and coaches. She has regained full use of her arms in the water, but has no use of her legs.

Kristin is the kind of hero that can convince others not to give up if you have disabilities. The harder you try the more you will succeed. Just like she said, "There are a lot of people with disabilities who don't think they are capable of doing things. Sometimes if you listen to what the doctors say, that's what people are led to believe. People need to know that they can achieve anything they put their mind to."

Kristen is my hero because she is determined to re-grow her muscles all over again. Through intense therapy she has retaught her body to swim by studying techniques online and getting assistance from trainers and coaches. I believe that is incredible. If my doctor would have said that to me, chances are I would have given up, but thanks to Kristin, if something were to ever happen to me I wouldn’t give up.