I am known to my family and friends as the #whenigirl. I was born two and one half months premature with multiple medical issues. I had several surgeries before my second birthday and was not expected to walk. I had a tethered cord repair, eye surgeries and developed Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and epilepsy. As a toddler, I was taught to walk using medical equipment and training. I needed and still need to carry rescue medication with me everyday. I take multiple medications daily and maintain a strict diet. Even with my neuro diversity and physical disabilities, I managed to make the Varsity Girls' Soccer team, serve as Captain as a senior and excel academically. I maintain a 4.0 GPA, am a member of the National Honor Society and have earned my academic letter. My junior year of highschool my seizures became intractable. No medication stopped them and I was hospitalized following seven seizures in less than twelve hours. The first was on a school bus with my team. My friends rallied around me. I began a modified Atkins diet to control the seizures. The diet requires I eat no more than fifteen grams of carbohydrates per day. My teammate and best friend organized an Athletes v. Epilepsy game and we raised $3000.00 to raise awareness about epilepsy. The diet has worked. My friends help me stay on track and I'm ten months seizure free and cleared to drive. I'm working on my independence and fighting everyday to keep seizures from occurring. It is hard not being able to celebrate like my friends with food but they help me everyday and I must stay on the medication and diet if I want to drive and be independent. So why am I the #whenigirl? Because I never say "if". I expect to make the team, get my varsity letter, run a 5K, maintain this diet, drive and become a teacher etc. Never "if" only "when". When I walk, when I run, when I beat the odds and defy epilepsy. When others are resting, I'm running and taking private training from amazing coaches. It has not been easy but I had to use the challenges God gave me as inspiration for myself and others. My Coaches say just that- Kaitlyn is inspiring. I truly hope so. My friends, family and community rally behind me and help me keep going. I want nothing more than to share my experiences, teach elementary students and continue to advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves. Most importantly, I want people to know anything is possible when you believe and fight for your goals. #WHENwebelievewecanachieve