Unbalanced, but Strong...

As an average individual growing up, we face many challenges. This is obviously becomes more difficult when dealing with the almighty power struggle of finding our true self, with the overshadowing effects of the media and society.

In my own struggles with life at a young age, on top of my search to find myself without fault or argument, I met my best friend Danielle Cocchi.

When I think of strength I immediately think; "Danielle-Cocchi". I for sure had my own share as any other girl with insecurity issues. I was constantly fighting myself, whether it was weight, my hair, my clothes, grades- you name it- I found reason to argue it.

 There is no doubt that most of my own issues came directly from what the media and society present to me as acceptable.

When Danielle was born;  her small but tough, baby self-battled many health issues. So clearly-Danielle was born a fighter, so who else better to learn from?

Danielle’s intestines were mangled making it difficult for food to reach her stomach. In the immediate 6 hours of being born on July 19, 1988, she received surgery and was at great risk of death.

After her surgery, her health faced more complications, when she was 1 years old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Danielle most certainly did not give up fighting even though this gave her several challenges, including learning to walk. 

At 6 years old, she received a surgery that rotated her hips and would hopefully make it easier to walk. Danielle had a small limp in her walk, but it never took anything away from her smile and confidence- at least from an outside perspective.


At 13 years old an age full of insecurities, uncomfortable hormonal growth changes and middle school issues. Danielle was diagnosed with a seizure disorder, but didn’t stop fighting. And today, Danielle is still one of the strongest individuals I know today.

She made me realize that life is so much more than standing in a boxing match fighting yourself- In Danille's mind, "There is enough bad in the word, why choose to see more negative?"

This boxing match never challanged Danielle, she was always overcoming of all quick punches, undercuts and uppercuts. She taught me in several ways just leading as a role model how to win these fights myself. 

She is not just a powerful role model to me; she positively influences many more than I believe she even realizes herself. This is why I chose to interview her.

Danielle chooses to see the media as an outlet; she believes that society itself is filled with so much bad she does not understand seeing more negative. She creates her own rules, battling all that she has and getting threw it gives her confidence.

She continues to build on her own confidence even with daily reminders that are inescapable, like her scars; while the media also greatly affects how she feels about her weight and face.

So for a girl like me, who found it difficult to face myself at times? I turn to people like Danielle, whom I never saw walk down any school hallway without her most necessary accessory- Self Confidence.

And for anyone else whom wants to ask Danielle more, or chitchat, you can find her at;  http://www.facebook.com/dcocchi1 




For more info on the two types of seizure's Danielle has-
Grand Mal- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000695.htm

Petit Mal-http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000696.htm