Welcome to another interview series featuring another impeccable woman that is a complete force of nature. This interview literally gave me goosebumps it was so incredible. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview Sandi-Lee Permall. Her outlook on life, positive attitude and willingness to take on any struggle or obstacle with both hands and no fear is utterly incredible.
Sandi-Lee is a passionate Online Beauty Lecturer with some amazing makeup skills. She is also incredibly passionate about sharing her story living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones). Living with Osteogenesis has never stopped Sandi from moving forward and becoming the inspiring woman she is today. This interview will give you hope, goose pumps, inspiration and it will ignite a fire in you that you won’t believe.
Keep reading to be inspired!
About Sandi-Lee
My name is Sandi-lee, and I was born with a disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones). It’s basically fragile bones that break easily. Its caused by defective genes. These genes affect how the body makes collagen. A protein that helps strengthen bones. The condition can be mild, with only a few fractures during a person’s lifetime. In more severe cases, it can involve hundreds of fractures that occur without any apparent cause. We have bone fractures, bluish tint of the white of the eye, bone tissue formation, bent legs, hearing loss, physical deformity, scoliosis, and short stature. Treatments include bone-strengthening, medication, physiotherapy, and orthopedic surgery.
I have been in a wheelchair all my life, and I have broken over 100 bones, but I am so blessed with the friends, family, and boyfriend that I have in my life. My disability has not been an issue for me as I get through everyday life normally. I have completed my schooling, I have studied beauty, sold my own makeup books, and currently an online lecturer, which I enjoy doing so much.
What has been the biggest obstacle that you have overcome?
I have had many obstacles in my lifetime that I had to overcome, especially with having a disability, but I think the BIGGEST obstacle was having being pregnant and then having a miscarriage at 25 weeks.
What dream are you currently working towards?
My dream is to be able to drive and have my own car, but it’s not easy at the moment because having a car specially made for my disability costs an arm and a leg, so I’m working towards that.
What message do you want to share with the world?
The message I would like to share is to never ever give up into something that you strongly believe in, no matter what obstacles get thrown at you, never surround yourself with negativity, and never judge someone without getting to know that person.
What is your view on females supporting one another?
I say you can always tell who the strong and beautiful women are because they are the ones you see building one another up, instead of tearing each other down. I love seeing females stick together, encouraging, supporting, and empowering each other. We need more of it!
What motivates you to share your story?
What motivates me to share my story is the fact that there are others that are just like me, (and I don’t mean disabled), going through the same struggles, and doubting themselves. If I can get through being disabled, breaking more than 100 bones, a miscarriage, never being able to walk but I’m still here, still going strong, still wanting to go forward and do more, why can’t you?
What advice would you give to someone struggling or going through a tough time?
My advice is that it’s not the end of your story in whatever you go through in life, and I have learned that there is a reason for everything in life, but it’s how you decide if you want to carry on. If you want to carry on with your story, make it better.
Be sure to follow Sandi-Lee on social media to be inspired and motivated daily.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsCandiSandi/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sandileepermall
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