It was her sheer will that drove Mel Reis not to see her limb amputation as a negative fact but as a chance. And it was her passionate determination to get back to dance, as she used to before the car crash that crushed her leg when she was a teenager. What question she has to answer the most and how she would like to help others, she tells us on REHACARE.com.
Name: Mel Reis Age: 33 City: São Paulo, Brazil Occupation:dancer and designer Impairment: amputation below the knee (transtibial)
What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?
Mel Reis: My dream today is to have a company of stylish prostheses for sale and rental to low-income customers.
Which person has influenced you most? And why?
Mel Reis: No doubt: Amy Purdy (American actress, model, world-class snowboarder and 2014 Paralympics bronze medalist)
You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled in your country. What would you do first?
Mel Reis: First I would fight for a country where high quality prosthetic equipment is accessible.
After her limb was amputated in 2014, it was her dream to be a ballerina again. With her custom made prosthetic pointe foot Mel Reis is now able to do what is her passion.
What is especially near and dear to you?
Mel Reis: In 2018 I'd be starring in a children's musical, called "Nos caminhos que devo andar." (On paths that must be walked)
I would like to be ...
Mel Reis: ...an ambassador for Ottobock and Össur.
Which question would you like to get answered?
Mel Reis: The question I have to answer the most is always: How can you dance with the prosthesis?
What else I wanted to say...
Mel Reis: I would like to give my support and strength to all those who feel desperate and weak. My walk is an example of how to overcome obstacles. And I hope, that everyone is inspired to dream and obtain strength through my will of life!