M Y J O U R N E Y O F R E S I L I E N C E A N D A D V O C A C Y

B Y M E L I N D A P R E C I A D O

I WAS BORN on January 13, 1980, at home in Oregon A year later, my family’s journey took us to Northern California, where I spent the majority of my childhood My father’s work in ministry led us to Washington for three years, but eventually, we returned to Oregon.

From a young age, the world of pageants, modeling, acting, and the arts captivated me These weren’t just hobbies, they were passions that fueled my spirit Dance, in particular, became a beautiful outlet for my deep artistic creativity. I was full of life and adventure, enjoying the beauty and wonder that the world had to offer.

I met Alfredo Preciado, a Mexican man, in Oregon. Even though I noticed several red flags, I still agreed when he asked my father for my hand. We were married in May of 1997.

Alfredo was a man of immense work ethic, never missing a day of work. But behind closed doors, he was a nightmare His anger could be triggered by the smallest things, and I endured a life of control, fear, and pain The abuse--physical, emotional, and psychological- -was severe My face would be smashed into the dashboard, and he nearly pushed me out of a moving car I carry countless traumatic memories from those years.

Alfredo’s obsession with bodybuilding led him to use steroids, which only fueled his expectations of me. I was to be the perfect trophy wife; flawless in appearance, with a perfect body, and a home that was immaculate.

We welcomed our first child, Uriel, on November 10, 1999. When he was just eight months old, we moved to Alfredo’s hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico. We lived there for two years until Alfredo obtained permanent residency in the United States On October 10, 2003, our second child, Devan, was born Despite my high-risk pregnancies and multiple surgeries due to stage four endometriosis, including a full hysterectomy, Alfredo was indifferent. His demands for perfection never ceased.

Devan was born with epilepsy and later diagnosed with autism. The challenges only grew, but Alfredo’s verbal and emotional abuse continued He controlled every aspect of our lives We lived in a constant state of stress, without a voice.

The breaking point came when Alfredo began to physically harm our children I knew then that I had to protect them and myself. With the help of the court, the sheriff’s office, and my family and friends, I devised a plan to escape. On July 29, 2010, with immense support, I finally left. I divorced Alfredo and had him deported back to Mexico Though I have forgiven him for the hell he put us through, the scars of that trauma are still with me.

I found my calling in pursuing a career in healthcare I became a medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, and state-licensed acute care nursing assistant (CNA2), specializing in emergency department care.

I enjoyed my career in healthcare, but the universe had more in store for me.

My knees had been a source of pain for years I had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and had left knee/ leg reconstruction in 2016. However, this surgery was botched, causing severe deformity and permanent damage from hip to toes By 2020, both knees were bone on bone with spurs and other damage. I was told I had the knees of an 80 year old.

I underwent a right knee replacement in 2021 Shortly after surgery, I experienced excruciating pain in my foot and ankle There was no pulse in my right foot, and I lost all feeling and movement. Arterial damage during the surgery had caused acute limb ischemia. Despite multiple surgeries, including a bypass and angiography where veins were harvested from my left leg from ankle to groin, my condition worsened I was diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis, a rare life-threatening condition. I went into shock and respiratory distress.

Within a few weeks, my right leg was completely dead and was amputated above the knee The pain was beyond anything I had ever experienced I was intubated and placed on life support in the CCU as my family gathered by my bedside I endured multiple blood transfusions, surgeries, and procedures, and had wound vacs attached to me The doctors offered little hope for my survival, let alone saving my severely damaged left leg. I was hospitalized for a month and then transferred to a physical rehabilitation facility for another month. But I was determined to regain my independence and live life to the fullest again. Before this life-altering event, I was an active person who loved hiking, dancing, and outdoor adventures.

I remember very little from that first month or so after the first surgery in January of 2021. Most of what I know comes from what I’ve heard and read. As of today, I’ve undergone 14 surgical procedures just due to that initial surgery accident, and still have more to come.

My 17 years in healthcare are behind me, and I am grateful for the opportunities and the amazing people I met along the way I now dedicate my life to advocating for disability rights and educating America on the importance of accessibility and inclusivity. The ADA law, passed in 1990, was a monumental step, but we still have a long way to go in modifying what already exists to make life easier for everyone Disability rights are civil rights, and civil rights are human rights.

I was honored as the fourth Ms. Wheelchair Oregon America 2022, the first-ever Ms. Wheelchair Oregon USA 2023, and Ms Wheelchair Pacific Coast USA 2024.

I am committed to innovating the ADA and adapting America for all