Inspiring woman with paralyzing disease becomes successful model

Katie Knowles, 24, doesn't let anything, not even a paralyzing disease, keep her from reaching her dreams. The strong and motivated young woman achieved her goal of becoming a successful model despite all of the hardships she endured along the way.

After battled sciatica, a degenerative spine disease, the then 20-year-old decided to go through with a surgery that would eliminate her pain. When she woke up from surgery, she discovered that the lower half of her body had been paralyzed. She told Daily Mail:

However, Knowles knew that her walking days weren't over. She worked hard in physical therapy until she finally took those first glorious steps on her road to recovery. Nonetheless, she felt weak and frustrated with her new condition. She said:

A friend helped Knowles gain that confidence back when she suggested that Knowles pose for photographs in her wheelchair. The model realized that her condition didn't have to stop her from achieving her dream. Once the photographs were published, various photographers and brands immediately contacted Knowles with modeling opportunities.


In an interview with the Huffington Post, Knowles said that she also now models for Models of Diversity, a company that supports and campaigns for diversity in the modeling industry.

Even on bad days, Knowles is determined to stay committed to her modeling jobs. She said:

Knowles is an inspiration to all of us as we embark on our life-long quests of conquering our dreams.

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