My name is Carmela, some call me Mella, Car or Caramel! I am 11 years old and a regular visitor to hospitals. I have a progressive muscle-wasting condition called LMNA Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. This wastes away my muscles for movement and breathing muscles over time, with a high risk of a cardiac arrest. I now have an inserted defibrillator because I was just a few heart beats away from a cardiac arrest whilst sleeping, so this gadget keeps me alive.

Unfortunately for me, my rare mutation of this condition has progressed into 3 more health conditions, meaning I have to fight even harder through the tough stuff. I now have Insulin resistance diabetes, so daily I have to take lots of medication. Lipodystrophy which causes my body the inability of storing unwanted fats and sugars we eat that isn't burnt off, to store around my organs and in my blood. This means I am at high risk of organ failure. Due to Lipodystrophy, I do currently have Liver disease and very high fat in my blood, so I am on a very strict diet to try and bring the levels down. I have to exercise as much as possible to break down the stored fats but unfortunately, due to having Muscular Dystrophy and limited energy and muscle strength, this makes it very difficult.

I try to stay motivated by helping others in similar situations. I share positive thoughts, exercises and activities online and even fundraise to help others have hope. To date, I have helped MDUK raise over £400,000.