LESSONS LEARNED FROM A PARENT AND CAREGIVER

 OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY

Folgueiras, who added licensed massage therapist to her health care resume, always had respect for the medical field.

But her experience with negativity and ableism hurt her deeply at a time when she was most vulnerable.

“They told me several times he wasn’t going to make it and if he did, he’d be a vegetable that won’t know who I am. 

A female doctor, supposedly top in her field, told me to my face that I need to face the fact that I’ll be bringing home a vegetable,” she said. 

“I’ve worked in the medical field. 

You are frank, but you don’t talk like that. 

You have to have empathy and compassion.”