Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Rania Wasfy was special since day one. The disease, also known as brittle bone disease, results in fragile bones that break easily and a growth hormone deficiency. Rania was so fragile, she had fractures while still in the womb. After making a Facebook post about her wish to become famous, her beautiful soul and uplifting words captured the hearts of thousands of Egyptians. The Alexandria native has been a public figure ever since, spreading her positive energy to many who need it. We sit with her to talk all about her journey.
We all remember the post you made that propelled you to fame. How has your life changed since you made that post?
I never would have imagined this reaction. I started a Facebook page afterwards, and started making videos. The most important part of this is that I started receiving messages from people with health conditions similar to mine; some with parents who cannot accept that they are in wheelchairs. I am glad I have positively affected their lives. They told me that they’ve accepted the wheelchair and are no longer ashamed of it and that I am responsible for that change.
You never faced that issue of being ashamed of the wheelchair, though, right?
No, I was never ashamed.
What is next on your list of dreams?
I would love to have a segment on a TV show. I feel that it would boost people’s confidence if they saw me presenting a segment; they’ll know nothing is impossible.
Keep trying until you reach your goal even if you reach it when you’re 60
What is the message you are sending with your blog and videos?
The most important thing is hope. To have hope and never despair. Keep trying until you reach your goal even if you reach it when you’re 60.
What was the most motivational message you received?
I once received a message in 2017 while on a TV show from a girl. She said she was going to commit suicide and changed her mind after she saw me. I was shocked; stopping someone from committing suicide is a huge deal.
Do you think our society is now more aware and respectful of the differently-abled?
There is an improvement of 60%. If kids got used to accepting people who are different since childhood, there wouldn’t be a problem. They are not used to seeing them, especially with parents hiding their differently-abled children out of shame.
Sometimes I receive messages from wheelchair users telling me they have not left the house in months
What about the differently-abled? What do they need in Egypt?
First of all, they need encouragement. And of course, for transportation and roads to be more accessible to them so they wouldn’t need anyone. Sometimes I receive messages from wheelchair users telling me they have not left the house in months. If they live on a high floor and are not necessarily as small as I am, they cannot go out without an elevator, for example. Can you imagine that?
Encourage them, don’t make them feel lesser-than, and don’t pity them
How should people deal with differently-abled family and friends?
Encourage them to keep doing what they love to do. Encourage them, don’t make them feel lesser-than, and don’t pity them. Support them until they reach their goals.
