Mental health issues are difficult enough to handle. But for the millions of people who are living with a physical disability too, the journey can be even tougher. 

Today’s guest, Alyssa Cleland, was born with a one-in-a-million condition called paraxial tibial hemimelia, which led to the amputation of her leg. But with the aid of a prosthetic, Alyssa has made a name for herself as a para-equestrian and social media influencer, helping to shine a light on all that she – and others with disabilities like PTH – is capable of. 

In this episode, Alyssa talks about growing up with a disability, being adopted from Ukraine into a marathon-running, sports-loving family, and her journey of self-love.

 

“After doing a lot of healing and things like that – which like, obviously there's still more [to do] – I think I've just come so to terms with who I am, what I have going on and blah, blah, blah, that like, I just don't care, you know? And I'm gonna be myself. If you don't like it, then that's cool. We're not meant to be in the same, you know, atmosphere together. And I'm okay with that.” – Alyssa (42:48)

 

She also shares about her experiences with mental health, the strategies she uses to keep herself thinking positive, and how she became determined to live her best life.

 

“I was able to like, comfort myself in knowing that, ‘Hey, like I didn't cause this to myself.  I didn't ask for this. And I can't do anything about it.’ So either I can sit and be shameful of something that I have no control over or I can get the f*ck over it and live my life to the best that I can. And that's what I decided to do. …  It’s definitely a fight every day, but I think it's a fight worth fighting.” – Alyssa (06:20) 

 

In This Episode

• (03:20) Competing as a para-equestrian
• (05:06) Growing up with a disability 
• (08:02) What is paraxial tibial hemimelia?
• (10:25) Being adopted and having a leg amputation in childhood
• (15:28) Alyssa’s “sticky sock vacation” at nine
• (22:51) The journey to sharing her story on social media
• (26:57) How Alyssa keeps herself thinking positive
• (30:09) The role of faith in Alyssa’s life
• (33:31) Life with prosthetics 
• (40:22) Dealing with strangers as an amputee

 

Our Guest

Alyssa Cleland is an influencer, para-equestrian and disability rights advocate.

 

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

• https://www.offthecuff.fm/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore
• https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/
• https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/

Alyssa Cleland

• https://www.tiktok.com/@alcequine_
• https://www.instagram.com/alyssatheamputee/