CABRILLANA Macarena

Classification
Open (ITF, 11 Jun 2021)

Type of Impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries (Athlete, 04 Aug 2016)

Origin of Impairment
Acquired (Athlete, 04 Aug 2016)

Impairment Details
She damaged the L3 vetebra in her spinal cord when she fell from her fifth-floor apartment in 2008. (guioteca.com, 02 Jan 2013; emol.com, 20 Apr 2013)

General
OVERCOMING DEPRESSION
In 2008 she was struggling with depression and jumped from the fifth floor of her apartment building, which resulted in her impairment. She discovered wheelchair tennis later that year and after one year of rehabilitation, began focusing on the sport. "A lot of issues built up, such as with my family and school, and one day I was overwhelmed by everything. In 2008 I was born again. A few months later, I got to know tennis and that helped me clear my head. The truth is that tennis changed my life. I love what I do. Although all this has not been easy, I cannot ask for more. I am confident that I can make the most of this second chance that life has given me." (paralympic.org, 28 Mar 2021; guioteca.com, 13 Jan 2013; emol.com, 20 Apr 2013)

HELPING OTHERS
She has struggled with her mental health in the past and attempted suicide in 2008. She hopes her story can inspire others. "I hope that by sharing my experience, I can encourage others to look for support. I think I am a strong message for anyone suffering with depression. In the future, when I retire from tennis, I'd like to help people, perhaps through a foundation. Unfortunately, I had to live my experience, but my story can help other people avoid that suffering. Without knowing it, I've reached people with depression and dealing with suicidal thoughts. I connected with them, because nothing can compare with living that same experience. The most difficult part is finding the courage to leave the bed, to leave the house. It is important to not be alone, to have something that motivates you, and sport is addictive." (paralympic.org, 28 Mar 2021; itftennis.com, 12 Feb 2021)