My name is Carmela Ottaviano and I am 27 years old. I met Diana Femia, past President of the IWL in 2002 as part of a program run by The National Organization of Italian American Women for students wanting a mentor to help achieve academic goals. Diana was not only a mentor, but she was also an inspiration to me because she taught me that with hard work and determination, anything was possible.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2003 which progressed immensely in 2005 and I became wheelchair bound in December that same year. The IWL has helped my family and I in so many ways and I'm very grateful for the help they have given us as well as to many other families in need. When l finally came home from the hospital at the end of 2005 and was waiting to get approved for Medicaid, the IWL gave my family the needed funds to pay for transportation to doctors and therapy appointments.

The YouTube video you are viewing was recorded at the beginning of May by Miguel Velandres, a very talented individual who works at my rehab facility. His video which I watch over and over again gives me a lot of hope that with hard work and determination I will walk again. Recently, the IWL paid for a NuStep machine which my physical therapist deemed fit for me to further aid me in my recovery which will help to strengthen needed muscles in my body.

There are no words to express that gratitude I have to the IWL for all they have done for me I and will strive hard to accomplish my goals. Grazie IWL!