Her disability has helped her see that people are kind and willing to help – wherever she goes.  Because of a spinal cord injury in 2000, she needed six surgeries.  Today, she still has difficulty with balance and walking, and  must use a walker.  Since Judy’s disability, she prays more and is more willing to ask for help from others than when she was able-bodied.  After finishing the MEED program, she competed with more than 50 applicants for a position with Miami-Dade County government, and she landed the job.  Judy sees life as a challenge, and thinks she is doing well.

“All these things that happened to me are a test, and I am carrying on living despite my problems because I won’t let my troubles stop me.” 

Photographed by Josh Gaddy

Judy Thompson