Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Cantu.
Hi Vanessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was in a car accident at the tender age of 15. It left me with a spinal cord injury having to relearn how to walk, several ruptured organs leaving me a comprised system, and a spirit that didn’t know how to accept or or quit. I am now a mom to a 13 year old, she’s my saving grace and everything I do is for her. She deserves and the strongest version of me, and that has helped me heal and help other along the way by being transparent in my journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has always been a challenging road, but that’s my testament. I’ve found this challenging road for 28 years and have never wavered in my determination to be the strongest version of myself. Whether it was pursuing my college degrees, overcoming addiction, leaving abusive relationships, mourning the loss or a child, raising a child with a disability all while striving to heal mentally and physically. I’m proud to say im the strongest version of myself in both areas at 43 compared to when I was younger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a federal employee and have worked with the department of labor office of workers compensation for 16 years now. I love to help people who have been injured on the job, they have no idea the person on the other line has lived life with a disability most of my life. It allows me to have compassion.
My true passion and hobby is being an adaptive athlete and advocate for people with disabilities. I began competing in CrossFit as a seated athlete in the adaptive division when it was brand new. My goal was to compete in as many competitions as possible all while sharing my content in hopes of inspiring other female adaptive athletes. There were always so many more males representing and I wanted to encourage more women.
I train at a gym called the adaptive training foundation in Carrollton., Tx. I’ve been there for 10 years and have grown with the gym. I help support train other new athletes with spinal cord injuries and maintain a social aspect on engagement with the community. It pushed me to always challenge myself, I’m always training for some thing new as I refuse to succumb to getting weaker as I age with my disability. I now ride my handcycle across different states each summer with friends, who also have SCI.
More recently, I put together a curriculum called AdaptEd where I take people with disabilities from the gym into schools and educate on what it means to have a disability and still be an adaptive athlete. This will leave my most proud mark in the world because it starts with educating our kids through exposure.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how expansive our city is. I’ve met some amazing gym owners who all have come together to create a network that works together in working with people with disabilities
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Ificanucantu
