I’ve looked up what a hero is and I’m not going to lie; right now I am a little confused. This is the definition I found: “a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” I don’t think courage and outstanding achievements should be the only things you really admire. What about their heart or their personal qualities? This is almost an ideal “hero” or what society puts into a story.
A “hero” perhaps, but really, what exactly is your definition of a hero? Is your hero fictional? Does your hero live behind your TV screen? Well, if you answered yes to any of those questions you might not have a real hero. My hero is my 9 year-old sister Chloe. My sister is the strongest girl I know, she has the kindest heart and nothing can bring her down. Her attitude could make anyone’s day better. Chloe was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but she is anything but her disability. Her disability does not define her and it does not control her life. Her disability may restrict her, but that doesn’t mean she gives up.
Chloe is supernatural in my opinion. She can control people’s minds and instantly make them happy. Well, at least that’s what I think she’s doing! She’s also insanely strong which doesn’t make sense to me for such a tiny girl. Chloe trains and does therapy everyday to keep her system running and her muscles growing. Sometimes I think that if Chloe works out any harder she may be stronger than me someday. She may only be 9 years old, but she’s a beast and she works for everything. One main achievement is the day she first walked without any assistance. When Chloe was first diagnosed with CP, doctors told her she may NEVER walk unassisted, and she was heartbroken. But, Chloe looked at the doctor and told him that she would and oh yes she did. Chloe definitely walks unassisted and she also swims, dances, rides horse back, runs and is walking the runway of a school fashion show. Walking was only the easiest part. Chloe has undergone more than a few surgeries and still has the capability to smile everyday. Her heart is enormous actually. It’s the size of earth, maybe even bigger.
There is not one thing about Chloe that doesn’t surprise me because this girl is a bundle of joy. She may be a brat sometimes but her heart always comes through in the best times. Chloe is treated just as she should treat others. She isn’t treated any differently and she definitely is never underestimated because we know her capabilities. One thing I know for sure is that nothing can bring this girl down anymore. She has been through it all, and experienced things that people my age or older couldn’t handle. I definitely would not be able to have gone through what she did. That is what really makes me the person I am today; Chloe is my inspiration and all my heart.
After plenty of surgeries (and some scars), Chloe continues on. She continues on with the relief of knowing that she won’t need any more surgeries in her life! Chloe has Cerebral Palsy but Chloe is NOT Cerebral Palsy. Nothing could come in the way of her happiness. Chloe in my own definition is… a hero, and a hero in my story to be exact. There is nothing better than seeing a smile on that girl’s face after all she has been put through. We all know that God put her through this because he knew very well she could handle it. In conclusion, there aren’t many people as strong as this little girl is and I am more than proud to call her my sister. She takes me by surprise everyday and never fails to make anyone around her happy even if they don’t know her. In her eyes, there is nothing wrong with her. That’s the way it should stay because, in reality, she has nothing wrong with her. Chloe has the confidence and courage of a lion. She is a warrior. She fights the toughest battles and beats the worst situations. There is nothing better than seeing such joy in one little girl fighting a tough battle. I 
would’ve never guessed she would make it this far and she has. She is my hero. So I’m going to ask you again, what’s your definition of a hero?
~ Vanessa (Proud Sister)
Submitted by Proud Dad, John Orrett
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This post originally appeared on our March/April 2016 Magazine [20]