Ryleigh Newman Wheelchair

my life story

I was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss shortly after birth. The loss is mild/moderate in my left ear, and severe/profound in my right ear.

At seven years old, I was diagnosed with an unknown neuromuscular disease that resembles Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT. This disease causes slow deterioration of the myelin sheath in my limbs, permanently damaging nerves.

To deal with these two conditions, I wear hearing aids in both ears, and I'm now in a wheelchair.


Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Data Science (August 2022 – May 2026)

Activities

Delegate, National Model United Nations (NMUN)

Member, Honors College Judicial Board Council

Volunteer, Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Member, Leon Charney Diplomacy Program

Officer, Disabled Student Union (DSU)


Bartram Trail High School

High School Diploma (August 2018 – May 2022)

Activities

President, Quill and Scroll Honor Society

President, Technology Club


volunteer experience

Muscular Dystrophy Association

State Ambassador of Florida (2017 – 2019)

As the State Ambassador of Florida for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I volunteered many hours into raising money for neuromuscular disease research and patient care.

I had the opportunity to give speeches at events and be involved with the community to share my story and spread awareness.

I am so grateful to say that I raised over $120,000 for the MDA!


Muscular Dystrophy Association

Volunteer (2013 – 2021)

Supported and ran MDA Gala, Muscle Walk, Boot Drive, and more private and public events, as well as fundraising teams.

Raised roughly $300,000 over the seven years to support my disabled peers.

Unfortunately, the pandemic forced these events to pause. I hope to be involved again soon.


some fun facts to know me better

I am a blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do.

I have lived in thirteen different houses.

My birthdate is July 2, 2004. I am twenty years old.

I love researching new technology and making my own ideas/prototypes.

My family currently has four dogs, five goats, five horses, four cats, and a bird!

I have been wearing leg braces since I was eight years old and am now in a wheelchair.

I saved my mom’s life when I was four years old by spotting skin cancer patterns on her back, which helped ignite my love towards helping others.