Welcome to my life
By: Artemio Muñoz
Tags: Books, STEM, Inspiration, Disability, Social Media

Hello, my name is Artemio Muñoz and I want to welcome you to my blog. I made this blog for the intention to inspire you, and to hopefully brighten your day with my story.

With my blog, I also want to help you succeed in your education journey whether you’re a high school student or undergraduate by telling you my study skills. I like to read a lot, therefore, every book I read I’ll gladly write a review. So please grab a snack and a drink and make yourself comfortable as you read more about me in the next paragraphs.

I was born on January 10 early 90’s, with a birth defect called Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, or simply arthrogryposis. This birth defect can affect the muscles and joints of both arms and feet at birth. Thankfully it only affected the muscles and joints of my arms. I am the youngest of five siblings, three sisters and one brother. We were raised by our strong and single mother.

My mother was three months pregnant when she went to get an ultrasound to see if I was going to be a boy or a girl. Once the doctor finished her ultrasound, he told her the devastating news that she was going to have twins but unfortunately one had died and the other one still alive but with the high risk of also dying.

He also told her that it was better for her to get an abortion done as soon as possible because her life was also at risk. She told him that she doesn’t want to get the abortion done because she doesn’t believe in it and was against it.

He insisted and gave her the abortion consent papers. My mother, crying and mad at the doctor and situation, grabs the papers and throws them in the trash and leaves the clinic. Three months later, I’m born, and because being premature I was placed in the NICU. A couple of months of being in the hospital, they discharge me and mom takes me home to my sisters and brother.

Having arthrogryposis in my arms has prevented me from using them. This birth defect didn’t stop my family or me from doing simple things that a normal person does, such as writing with a pencil with my feet. I remember my siblings and mom would sit me on the floor and placed a pencil between my toes to learn how to grab it. After months and years of practice, I now know how to type, write and use my phone with my feet. Thanks to the patience of my family I wouldn’t have learned how to do a simple task with my feet.

When I was born several doctors evaluated me and did many tests such as blood work, CT scans, and X-Rays. With all the results finalized they told my mother that it would be a miracle that I would survive to live my first birthday. I am in my late 20’s and can proudly say that I’ve earned my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

This summer I’m studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) because next year I will be applying to get into medical school. I promised myself that one day I will introduce myself as Dr. Artemio Muñoz. I have more stories of me so if you want to get notified when I post my next blog enter your email and click on the Subscribe button. Thank you for reading this week’s blog, leave me a comment if you have any questions or feedback.