Courtney Mullins dreams of building the perfect world for her seven-year-old son Carter and others like him with disabilities.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Courtney moved to Tupelo in 2007 to be near her grandparents.
Carter was born with spina bifida. He has a persevering spirit and has faced many obstacles with fierce determination, thanks to the support of his mother and family.
Carter is a blessing and loved by everyone he meets. He loves music and is currently into Elvis. He is full of personality and energy. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him.
"He is a caring child and brings so much joy into my life. We have a good time together, and he brightens up my day," said Courtney.
Courtney's most significant struggle as a mom of a child with a disability is adjusting to her new life full of unexpected challenges and obstacles.
"Some of my days are rough, but when I look at him, he makes everything better," said Courtney. "Despite what he has going on, he still enjoys life and keeps pushing forward."
Courtney thinks the biggest misconception about people with disabilities is that they are limited to certain things.
"They are not limited. There are things they can do. You don't have to leave them at home. They want to be included. Don't write them off because of their disability and what you think they can and can't do. Don't put limits on people with disabilities," said Courtney.
Courtney has good support from family, friends, and the community.
The Shine Foundation in Tupelo raised $26,000 to get Courtney a wheelchair-accessible van to make transporting Carter easier.
"They saw me struggling to get him in and out of the car and loading up his wheelchair in the trunk. It was a wear and tear on my body, and I wouldn't go places with Carter," said Courtney.
She was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation when she got news about the van, made possible by generous donations from the community.
"I can't even describe the feeling I have for them. They are a huge blessing," said Courtney. "There are good people out there willing to help, and people need to focus on the positive and not the negative."
Courtney feels it is essential to find the balance between being a mom and focusing on her own needs.
A few years ago, when her health started deteriorating, she realized she needed to prioritize her well-being and self-care.
"I try to do things for myself, like going to the gym, getting my hair done, or getting a pedicure. Don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself," said Courtney.
Courtney's best advice for building the perfect world for people with disabilities is to treat them like you would want to be treated.
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