A positive outlook on life and an eagerness to not let her disability deter her ambitions make Jeanesse Abela, a 38-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, a source of inspiration for her many friends on Facebook.
Ms Abela recently shared her bucket list with her friends online. The list of achievements she hopes to accomplish someday is a reflection of her insatiable thirst for adventure. She believes nothing is impossible, no matter what odds she might be up against.
The list includes swimming with dolphins as well as skydiving, abseiling and meeting UK boyband Take That. While some of the entries on her list may be difficult to achieve, Ms Abela is hopeful that she will succeed in fulfilling her dreams.
She says many people often share their own experiences with her after reading her positive anecdotes online and she always urges them to never give up on their dreams.
“If one is determined enough that they want to achieve something, they will, because anything is possible.
“I never give up on my dreams, no matter what these may be. I’m also very headstrong,” she said with a grin.
Ms Abela had planned to skydive in 2012 but her dream had to be put on hold after strong winds disrupted her plans.
In 2002, when she was still in her early 20s, Ms Abela realised that many people her age who have a physical disability seek the company of others of the same age just as any other teenager would. Instead many are left with no choice but to socialise with only their parents and family. She decided it was time to rectify this situation and discussed her idea with her childhood friend Michelle Cilia. Together they formed Living Ability and Not Disability (Land).
Land makes it possible for young people with physical disabilities to meet up and socialise. The organisation promotes inclusion and independence, something Ms Abela feels very strongly about, and members often attend concerts and musical events, like the annual Isle of MTV concert.
I never give up on my dreams, no matter what these may be
They also visit museums and take part in a number of cultural events.
Today Ms Abela serves as the organisation’s fundraiser and educational coordinator and works tirelessly to collect sponsorships and raise funds.
Her role within the organisation is crucial since planning such events can be costly. Specialised transportation needed to take members to the locations, for instance, costs a minimum of €100. When more than 20 members attend, this price goes up to €300, with the organisation footing the bill from funds collected. Some three events are held every month.
Ms Abela admits collecting these funds can be difficult sometimes but so far, no event has ever been cancelled because of insufficient funds, she said proudly.
Her dedication towards making sure the organisation succeeds is evident in the hours she spends looking for sponsors and coming up with ways to generate enough funds to ensure events are held regularly.
She believes many places of entertainment are quite accessible to persons with disability but insists that not enough is done to ensure that all places are accessible for all.
Certain areas are completely neglected and it’s quite common to have ramps or other points of access blocked, which is why she often turns to her Facebook page to campaign for better accessibility.