Justine Van Den Borne, a brave woman who has been battling multiple sclerosis (MS) for several years, faced a hurtful incident recently. She parked her car in a handicapped parking spot at the Mitcham Shopping Centre in Melbourne, Australia, only to find a disgraceful note on her windshield. The note, written by someone who evidently did not understand her condition, questioned why she had forgotten her wheelchair.
But Justine refused to let this ignorant act bring her down. She shared a picture of the note on her Facebook page, along with a heartfelt message explaining her struggle with MS and the necessity of having access to a handicapped parking spot. She made it clear that MS is an unpredictable condition, causing fluctuating symptoms that affect her mobility on different days. Just because she may not use a wheelchair at a particular moment does not mean she isn’t dealing with a disability that significantly impacts her life.
In her Facebook post, Justine stressed the importance of looking beyond external appearances and empathizing with those who face invisible battles. Her message resonated with thousands of people, gaining over 17,500 likes and numerous shares. The incident shed light on the prejudice and lack of understanding that individuals with disabilities often face.
Before concluding her post, Justine left a thought-provoking reminder to her friends and followers: “Before you ruin another person’s day, remember you don’t know everything, and just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean a person isn’t struggling to put one foot in front of the other.” She also highlighted the misconception some people have due to her age, explaining that despite her youthful appearance, she experiences limitations in activities of daily living, such as carrying groceries and walking long distances.
Justine Van Den Borne is an inspiring individual who continues to advocate for understanding and compassion. Diagnosed with MS at the age of thirty-five, she refuses to let her condition define her and strives to raise awareness about the invisible battles many face every day.
