DUARTE RUAS CUSTODIO Ana Carolina

Type of Impairment
Vision impairment (cbdv.org.br, 2016)

Origin of Impairment
Acquired (cbdv.org.br, 2016)

Impairment Details
She lost her vision after a brain tumour affected her optic nerve at age 11. "The surgery was a miracle. When I went to theatre, my tumour was very large and the doctor said I had minimal chances of survival. It was a tumour the size of an avocado in my head. He said that if I survived I would have some serious side effects. I could be paralysed. Thank God, I ended up with [only loss of vision]." (rededoesporte.gov.br, 12 Sep 2016; cbdv.org.br, 01 Jan 2016; redemetropolitana.com.br, 24 Aug 2015)

General
ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE
In 2019 she became athlete representative on the International Blind Sports Federation [IBSA] Goalball Sport Committee. "When I received the invitation I was very grateful to be able to represent the athletes in our federation because since [her first international appearance in] 2004 I have observed the main needs of the athletes. My intention as a representative is to be available for questions, critiques and suggestions, and serve as a link between athletes and IBSA." (insidethegames.biz, 06 Mar 2019)

DEALING WITH LOSS
Her mother passed away when Ana Carolina was age 15. "My vision was nothing. My biggest blow was the loss of my mother. From then on I had to learn to walk alone, to be independent, despite the support of my brothers who were like parents to me. Gradually I began walking alone, learning, and goalball helped me to achieve this independence." (rededoesporte.gov.br, 12 Sep 2016)