ABOUT
Atif

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Right after birth, I was diagnosed with a 4th stage cancer known as neuroblastoma, a tumor of the spinal cord. I had to undergo three surgeries when I was just one month old, and doctors believed I had little chance of survival. However, my inner strength and perseverance shone through, and I fought through the cancer. This experience laid the foundation for my resilient approach to life's challenges that came my way.

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My battle with cancer left me paralyzed from the waist down, and I spent much of my childhood in a wheelchair. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and exclusion, as was placed in special programs that separated me from my classmates. Additionally, I underwent four major back surgeries in 11 years to correct the curvature of my spine, which was mentally and physically taxing.

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Despite these challenges, my resilience and determination to overcome obstacles have made me stronger. I have learned that I can fight through anything, and I apply this experience to future obstacles. If I have to face another surgery in the future, I know that I have what it takes mentally and physically to get through it successfully.

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One of the defining experiences of my life was my internship at the White House. Although I initially had doubts about whether I was qualified to be a White House intern, I was accepted and spent two months living 3,000 miles away from home in Washington, D.C. Despite my initial fears, I found that I enjoyed the challenge of navigating the city in a wheelchair and made some great contacts and friends during my time there.

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My life has been shaped by his experiences with cancer and paralysis, but I have never let these challenges hold me back. I have continued to push myself and challenge myself, both professionally and personally. Today, I am a successful entrepreneur, wheelchair tennis champion, and motivational speaker, sharing my story of resilience and determination with others who face challenges in their own lives.