Through her autobiography, Finding My Feet, Kerry Walsh educates, advocates and inspires
Kerry Walsh is a 20-something disability activist and motivational speaker. You might ask yourself why someone in their 20s would write an autobiography. Don’t they still have their entire life ahead of them? What could they possibly have to say?
Turns out, a lot! Kerry has spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder that affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. She is unable to move her legs and uses a wheelchair.
The disease has resulted in various other complications that has led to a long string of surgeries and hospitalisations. In fact, Kerry’s parents were told their daughter would only live to the age of five.
But, when reading the life journey of this “rare warrior” (a person with a rare disease), you come to realise that her diagnosis is the least interesting thing about this promising young woman.
What truly stands out in her autobiography is her ability to eloquently and concisely describe the human experience.
While her focus is on the experience of people with disabilities in South Africa (specifically those with rare diseases), so much of what she shares is relatable to anyone who has ever battled with self-doubt, self-worth or hopelessness.
She writes about what it means to be different, to be dependent on others, and to battle with friendships.
Kerry puts a voice to the internal battles many face in a way that makes you feel seen and understood. She does this while still highlighting the unique challenges that comes with her disability.
Kerry has a true talent for educating others on disability without othering those who are ill-informed. Her writing allows the reader to empathise while educating them in a way that is empowering rather than accusing.
This skill is surely built up over her nearly three decades of advocating for herself on a daily basis since birth. To quote the author, “talents are just skills we’ve practised without noticing”.
Her skilful writing comes from her years of blogging, while her work as a motivational speaker, under the umbrella of KmotivationSA, has nearly ever chapter leaving you feeling as if anything is possible!
The autobiography is as complex as its author. While it is a retelling of her life and journey, it is also a love letter to her community, a platform to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities, and an inspirational piece that will encourage you to work towards self-acceptance, love and forgiveness.
It feels as if you are having a coffee therapy session with a close friend while attending a motivational and educational seminar simultaneously. She inspires positive thinking without the rose-coloured glasses.
It is about acknowledging your situation while reaching for more. Kerry, at the young age of 27, makes you feel as if there is still a lot of life left to live, and that you want to do it fully.
Whether you are a person with a rare disease, a disability, a family member or friend of someone with a disability, a medical professional, or simply someone who has battled with loving themselves or their lives, we recommend you read Finding My Feet. The truly gripping story is an easy and important read for all.
We interviewed author Kerry Walsh to learn more about her thoughts on writing her autobiography:
Rolling Inspiration (RI): What inspired you to write the autobiography?
Kerry Walsh (KW): I have always enjoyed sharing my story through my speaking and my blog. However, I’ve always dreamed of writing a book and having something to leave behind. I hope to inspire a young rare warrior who may feel lost or confused. And to give families of rare warriors a little peace knowing that it’s not all bad and that we appreciate their fight with us every day.
RI: What was the process of writing like?
KW: I have written this book over so many years that I think it changed so many times and finally having a team to work with and to create understanding with made it come to life.
RI: What do you hope people will take from the book?
KW: I hope that people will gain knowledge and perspective of people with disabilities. I hope it will create a sense of empathy and understanding for those individuals and the lives that they live. I hope it creates opportunity and possibilities for people with rare diseases and/or a disability.
RI: Do you have advice for other people with disabilities who would like to share their story?
KW: It’s your story and you need to tell it your way. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to love it, but that’s okay. You also need an amazing team. Harvard Ink is a large reason that this dream came to life.
Keep writing – create a solid writing habit, even a few minutes every day adds up. And get clear about the value you want to add and the message you want to share with the world.
RI: What would you like the general public to know about rare diseases?
KW: Just because they may be considered rare doesn’t mean that it can’t happen to you and that knowledge is power. Being aware and having knowledge about these diseases makes you a more powerful human being it also makes you a more empathetic and considerate person.
Finding My Feet is available Amazon and Takealot. To read more about Kerry and her journey, visit her website www.kerrywalshtrust.co.za.
