My Mom Was Not the One to Quit – Carmen Rosado

Carmen kayaking 2014 ADA celebration

Carmen Rosado’s spinal cord tumor led to the loss of movement in her legs and arms, as well doctors telling her she would not survive long. 20 years later, Carmen’s smile and determination have contributed to many many Independent Living advocacy events.

Carmen’s path to living independently was not typical. She was unable to go to school. Her brother taught her to read and write. She learned intense determination from her mother as she was brought to the U.S. for medical treatment, and eventually to live. Carmen had a tough time convincing her parents to let her live on her own in college. She now has a Masters Degree from UMass, her PCA’s, a job, and her own, independent life.