WHEELS TO heels

Mackenziee was determined to achieve her dream, even if it took a decade! - Mackenziee Lawler, 20, Logan, Qld

- ASTHA GUPTA

Peering through the glass window, my eyes stopped on the red heels. They were the most beautiful pair of shoes I'd ever seen.

'I really like those,' I said to my mum, Raelene.

Aged eight, I felt a pang of sadness knowing I might never get to wear shoes that were fit for a princess.

You see, I have spasticity diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that manifests as constant tightness or stiffness in the lower muscles. It affected both my legs.

At two, doctors predicted that, without major surgery or use of mobility aids, I'd never be able to walk.

'One day, I'd love to show everyone that I can walk in high heels,' I said, still staring longingly at the shoes.

'How about we buy you high heels for your Year 12 formal?' Mum smiled.

That day ignited a fire in me. I had 10 years to make my dream come true.

As years went by, I underwent multiple gruelling surgeries on my ankles and knees, as well as calf-lengthening procedures, botox injections and painful physical therapy.

I walked with the help of crutches, but I mostly used a wheelchair for longer distances when my legs got tired. Determined, there was nothing I felt I couldn't do.

I even ran using special shoes that supported my legs, albeit uncomfortably. And, one of triplets, I climbed trees with my brothers, Dakota and Sebastian, and our older sister, BrittanieeJane, then 12.

I'm going to go from wheels to heels, I told myself.

When the pain got too much, I'd sometimes feel sad.

'This is so unfair,' I said to my dad, Matthew.