For today’s post I thought maybe I should introduce myself. Now I know I did an introduction when I started this blog, but that was also almost ten years ago, and I am no longer a socially awkward fourteen year old. I am now a socially awkward adult! Honestly I’m not the same person I was even a year ago, let alone almost a decade ago. Woah... a decade.... That makes me feel old... Anyways, let’s take some time to get reacquainted! Also if you’re new here, you’re probably wondering who the heck I am and why I’m taking up space on the internet...
Hey there! I’m Grace Brulotte, I’m twenty three years old, and I was born and raised in heavenly Fernie British Columbia. I was born with two physical disabilities, both of which leave me wheelchair bound and reliant on caregivers. The first is a congenital birth defect called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), which is a big scary term that basically means stiff joints. From the neck down, all my joints have little to no flexibility. I also have basically no muscle and am not really able to gain muscle. Arthrogryposis isn’t progressive, meaning it doesn’t get worse over time (so they say). I’ll be doing a separate post on AMC later, so stick around for that! The second condition I have is Scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine. And much easier to spell/say than my other condition... Scoliosis is unfortunately progressive, meaning every year the curve in my spine gets a little worse. My curvature is considered very severe, coming in at a shocking 95 degrees, and is deemed inoperable (too dangerous to fix via surgery). Another post will be coming later on about Scoliosis and my specific situation as well.
Despite my physical disabilities, I still manage to have a pretty full life! I know, what.a crazy thought... Someone with severe limitations can have a full life! Honestly, since my Scoliosis diagnosis became so serious, I’ve began a new life motto of “accepting what is and letting go of what cannot be”. I enjoy challenging myself to try new things and reach new goals. I love anything outdoors, so in the summertime you’ll find me on long walks to my favourite scenic spots in Fernie. Becoming familiar with plants and trees is another outdoor activity I enjoy. I find it interesting to look up how things were used, either medicinally or practically. I’m able to be a lot more active in the summer, so I enjoy activities like paddle boarding, camping, swimming and of course road trips. The only time you’ll find me indoors is when it’s raining, and even then I tend to have a dance in the rain every now and then. Which is why my wheelchair technicians hate me... Being outside gets restricted for me in the winter unfortunately... The only real outside time I spend is when I’m sit skiing, which I’ve been doing since I was fourteen. I’ve skied every lift and every bowl at Fernie Alpine Resort, conquered blacks and double blacks, went cat skiing twice, and was the first female tandem sit skier to heliski in Canada. But more on all that later... When I’m not skiing, I enjoy reading good classic books, watching feel good movies, and of course writing.
Let’s see... How would I describe my personality? A little shy at first I’d say. I’m not a huge fan of large crowds, and if I’m meeting new people I tend to be quite antsy. But once I warm up to someone, then all my quirks come out. I’m an enthusiastic and cheerful person 90% of the time. Although if I’m not doing well for whatever reason, people generally don’t know it because I’ll hide behind my well known smile and attitude. Only the people who know me intimately can tell the difference between my real smile and a fake smile. I generally love being social and being around people, but I also value my alone time when I get to go for a walk or listen to music. I’d say one of my greatest strengths, and potentially my greatest weakness as well, is that I care about others and love to help in any way I can. I have a passion for advocacy, and even though it scares me beyond all reason, I love public speaking. I have an addiction to buying cute teacups from thrift shops (or teapots), and literally have a whole cupboard dedicated to them. My rule is that I have to use a different cup every time, and then I feel totally justified in owning so many... I also have a chip addiction, to the point where I have another cupboard in my kitchen which is deemed “The Snack Cupboard”. I’ll buy pretty much anything if it’s purple or has something to do with unicorns. And my shelves are literally exploding with well loved books. Beyond all that, I’m a pretty dorky human being, who will sass attack anyone, and absolutely loves to laugh.
As far as my professional life goes, I’m a very busy girl.... I manage not one, not two, but three nonprofit societies. For my paid job I am the Administrative Manager of an amazing organization called Elk Valley Hospice. I’ll be doing a post later on finding a job and being employed as a person with a disability, so stick around for that! For my volunteer work, I’ve been the President and Program Manager of FIRE Adaptive Snow Program for almost 10 years now, which I founded when I was just fourteen. My work with FIRE has earned me a national award for administration, I was recognized provincially as the Most Influential Woman in Business, and was the City of Fernie’s Youth Achievement Award winner. In 2019, I became the President and co-founder of the Gracie Lou Foundation, which focuses on inclusion and advocacy for people with disabilities. In June 2019, with the help of some amazing volunteers, we built purple portable ramps for 15 businesses in downtown Fernie, making them accessible for those with mobility challenges. It was such a fun kickstart project and will be followed by many more!
There you have it! All acquainted with the adult version of Grace Brulotte... She’s fiercely independent, incredibly sassy, crazy busy, ready for a new challenge or adventure, and most importantly... Always smiling! Don’t you forget to smile today, and make sure you join me next time for another post on the Gracie Lou Perspective!
Instagram - @gracielouwhatwontshedo
Facebook - @gracielouwhatwontshedo
Email - gracielouwwsd@gmail.com
The Gracie Lou Foundation Facebook - @gracieloufoundation
FIRE Adaptive Snow Program Facebook - @fireadaptive
