Katharina Hesener – That's how she rolls

What makes a day a good day to you?

Katharina Hesener: A good day for me is like a blank sheet of paper that I fill with positive positive moments and beautiful things. For me, this includes being creative (songwriting, playing the piano or singing) or cooking and baking. The mixture of productive work, experiences and inspiring inspiring conversations helps to make my day enjoyable. Ultimately, a good day for me is one in which I am in a good mood my physical condition is good and I am happy.

Which day or moment in your life do you particularly like to remember? And why?

Katharina Hesener: It's super hard for me to decide, as I'm grateful for so many things and also collect super small moments and like to look back on them. But if I had to give an example right now, it would be the parties with friends in summer or family vacations / trips when I was a child.

What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how did you overcome it?

Katharina Hesener: The biggest challenge in my life is living with my illness and the constant struggle to survive in society. I would say that I haven't really been able to overcome this struggle yet. It takes time as well as many other things. But hopefully I'll be able to say it in a few years when I'm cured.

Which assistive devices are indispensable for you in everyday life and why?

Katharina Hesener: My wheelchair by Sunrise Medical and our waste grabbers at home. I use my wheelchair every day and it gives me the opportunity to go on adventures that would otherwise not be possible. I used to pick up garbage at school with the aforementioned grabbers and now there are loads of them at home. It's actually quite funny, because I would never have thought that I would ever need them. I couldn't live without the grabbers. Because when things fall down, I can't bend down due to my muscular dystrophy.

If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it have to be able to do?

Katharina Hesener: A flying wheelchair (similar to Aladdin and his carpet). Then I could see the whole world very comfortably, wouldn't have to pay much for it and wouldn't have to worry about so many things to be able to travel at all (public transportation, for example, is usually not very accessible).

What do you wish for from society and your fellow human beings in dealing with people with disabilities?

Katharina Hesener: Empathy and understanding. I believe that an illness can affect anyone in most cases. It's like a game of chance when you're born, whether you're healthy or ill. People with an illness didn't choose it and there are still people in society who don't treat people with a disability on the same level as healthy people. Strangers often take the right to ask inappropriate questions. It would be cool if people were more understanding of the fact that you might need a little more help than someone who is healthy. A person with disabilities often struggles with more than just "everyday problems".

If nothing were impossible: Who would you like to meet, what place would you like to visit or what time would you like to experience? And why?

Katharina Hesener: I'm young and there are still so many things inside me that I want to experience! I can't do that at the moment because of my illness, but when I'm cured I'm going to travel the world and make up for my "missed youth". There isn't necessarily one person I want to meet, but rather lots of different people with exciting stories. Stories shape people and I love to hear not only my own story, but also many others.

Are there certain topics or initiatives relating to people with disabilities that are particularly close to your heart?

Katharina Hesener: Education is crucial to reducing barriers for people with disabilities and promoting equal opportunities. In addition, raising awareness and educating people about the needs and diversity of people with disabilities is an important step towards a more inclusive society. I also think that it should be talked about in kindergarten (as well as at home) that there are many different people and that it is perfectly okay not to be like everyone else.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Katharina Hesener: I sort my food. It sounds super weird, but I don't like it when all the ingredients in a salad are mixed together, for example. Even when I eat with my family, each food has its own place on the plate.

What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Katharina Hesener: In my videos, I always say that REHACARE is like "Gamescom" (editor's note: a video games fair in Cologne, Germany) for people with disabilities (of course it's also super interesting for healthy people!). It's cool to see that you're not alone with problems and that there are people out there looking for solutions to your problems. REHACARE offers lots of cool things to try out and is a place for conversation and adventure.

What's still on my mind...

Katharina Hesener: Treat everyone with respect and empathy. Be strong and fight for your dreams. Set goals in life and believe in them, no matter how crazy they may seem or how many people tell you that you won't achieve them. Oh – and if you're bored – feel free to check out my TikTok channel @Katareha!