She Doesn’t See Herself As Handicapped

She Doesn’t See Herself As Handicapped

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

NORTHEAST, ALA. - In 1965 ReJeana Leeth was born with spina bifida, a

birth defect in which a developing baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly. The condition can range from mild to severe and affects people differently depending on the location in the spinal column where the defect

occurs. Life expectancy varies depending on severity of the condition and associated medical conditions, most people with spina bifida live to adulthood.

In the case of Leeth, she only reached a height of 4’2”, deals with clubfoot, walks on specially made crutches, has the use of one kidney, and has endured over 30 surgeries. However, none of this has seemed to stop her from accomplishing whatever she sets out to do. “I simply don’t think of myself as handicapped,” said Leeth. “I see myself as a walking-talking miracle.”

Leeth is married and has given birth to two daughters now ages 23 and 29. “I was encouraged not to become pregnant and when I did, I was told I should have an abortion,” said Leeth. “The doctor was worried about my health, but I credit God and sheer determination for everything I have accomplished.”

When Leeth was born, doctors told her parents to let her do everything for herself that she could. “Doctors told my parents if they did everything for me, I would struggle when they were gone,” said Leeth. “That was good advice because it gave me my independence.” Leeth said she did chores around the house just like her other five siblings, she just learned how to adjust things to allow her to accommodate her condition.

In her pre-adult years, Leeth wore leg braces with shoes attached to the braces, now she able to wear a child’s size-two shoe with a strap across the top of the foot without a leg brace. Anyone who reads Leeth’s resume would

never guess she battles with an infirmity. She has picked cotton in the

fields with her family, played volleyball, worked as a librarian, worked as

a cashier in a restaurant, been in the radio business for decades as a DJ,

and drives a car especially-equipped with hand controls. “I have even washed

my own car,” said Leeth. “I just use a mop since I’m so short.” Leeth said

the Driver’s Ed teacher at her school asked her if she wanted to learn to

drive. He made the extra effort to have hand controls installed and taught

her to drive, much to the surprise of her parents.

Leeth is a graduate of Plainview High School and studied Office Management

at Gadsden State Community College. She still works in the media industry

and can also be found singing gospel music in front of crowds as large as

5,000 in number. Her group is called ReJeana Leeth and New Grace and have

approximately 50 bookings each year. Leeth and her group travel all over the

south to various events and places of worship to share their gospel tunes.

She is also available for inspirational speaking. “I have done inspirational

speaking at schools, women’s retreats, and for the Girl Scouts.” ReJeana

Leeth and New Grace can be found on Facebook.

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