We’ve decided to take a different direction with our Campus Celeb for this week. “Wait, wasn’t she just in a wheel chair last semester?!” I’m sure some of you have said this statement before, and you were talking about Sheri Butts. Sheri is a 20-year-old Sophomore Biology major from Rex, GA. She is a creative and artistic person and is a new member of Valdosta State’s Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She also has a special condition and has allowed Her Campus to share her story.
HC: What exactly is your condition?
Sheri: Devics. It is a neurological condition in which your brain stops producing a chemical that produces your myelin sheath, causing your white blood cells to attack your spinal cord.
HC: How did you feel when the doctors told you what your condition was?
Sheri: Relieved, because I finally had an answer to what was going on. Two weeks before that, I had to depend on everyone around me to do everything for me.
HC: How did you know something was wrong?
Sheri: I just woke up one day and I collapsed to the ground.
HC: How did you transition from being in a wheelchair to walking?
Sheri: A lot of physical therapy and a very aggressive roommate, Ashley J, and Kenya D’s help.
HC: What was the hardest part about being in a wheelchair?
Sheri: Accepting the fact that I was in a wheelchair.
HC: Do you take medicine for your condition?
Sheri: Yes I do, and it helps a lot.
HC: What inspires you?
Sheri: Mostly I have inspired myself lately, because with my condition, I’ve had a lot of people tell me what I can and cannot do and I like to prove people wrong.
HC: What are you most grateful for?
Sheri: My ability to walk again; I can move my toes >.<
HC: What is one thing that you want to say to the students of Valdosta State now that they know about your condition?
Sheri: Anything is possible as long as you believe!
Pictured: Sheri Butts and Justin McGrudder