Melinda Litzendorf - That's how she rolls

Never give up and always stand your ground – despite a stroke of fate. This is an advice the tattooist Melinda Litzendorf not only hands out to others, but also follows herself. Besides her dogs, especially her family is near and dear to the eightfold mother Melinda Litzendorf. Which role her husband plays in her life and why Snapchat makes her laugh heartily, she tells us at REHACARE.com.

When did you last laugh heartily and what about?

Melinda Litzendorf: I laughed at my daughter Katharina (13). She showed me a funny filter on Snapchat which distorted here face and voice. We both laughed so hard that our bellies were aching.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Melinda Litzendorf: My greatest wish is to travel with my children and my husband to Disneyland. But with eight children (with Leonie (12) also being a wheelchair user) it is quite expensive and therefore not possible for us.

Which person has influenced you most?

Melinda Litzendorf: Without having to think long: my husband Björn. I’ve met him after my accident and he showed me even more that life is beautiful. Because of him I have learned to pursue my goals and continue to fight. It’s not always easy, but you should try out everything, not put your head in the sand and never give up. He gives me courage, love, support, his strength and he shows me that he is always there for me – despite my wheelchair, and that I’m loveable.

You have the chance to become the German Federal Commissioner for the Disabled. What would you do first?

Melinda Litzendorf: First, I would promote the inclusion of physically and mentally disadvantaged people. I would stand up for the equality of physically disabled people at work. In addition, I would promote the expansion of accessibility in public life.

Melinda Litzendorf: I would represent me myself, because no actress could reproduce my life as I have experienced it.

I would like to be ...

Melinda Litzendorf: … going for mountaineering.

Which questions would you like answered the most?

Melinda Litzendorf: Could medicine ever make me walk again? Why am I not accepted by my biological family?

What I finally want to say...

Melinda Litzendorf: To everyone who had a stroke of fate I want to give the following advice: Never give up, always fight for your goals and always stand your ground. It is definitely worth it!