Be The Hero: Get to Know Lorella Praeli's Story

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Lorella Praeli is a DREAMer activist and the Director of Latino Outreach for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Born in Ica, Peru, 27-year-old Lorella Praeli overcame huge obstacles in her early childhood. At the age of 2, she was pinned by a car in a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of her right leg. Lorella's father fought hard to find his daughter the best possible treatment, flying to Orlando, Fla., to meet one-on-one with doctors and plea his case at Shriners Hospital. He traveled to Shriners despite the fact that Shriners had already rejected their case, confident that if the doctors just met his daughter they could not turn her away. He was right.

Praeli began treatment at Shriners at age 4, and continued to make the difficult trek to Orlando multiple times each year to receive treatment for her challenging high amputation — and to learn to walk with a prosthetic. Over time, as the constant travel from Peru to Florida became an incredible strain on the Praeli family (and disrupted Praeli's education), her parents made the difficult decision to make a permanent move to the U.S. so Lorella would be closer to her treatment.

http://www.makers.com/blog/be-the-hero-lorella-praeli

[aidbo]

1. She seems like a nice person with a powerful story to tell.

[artislife]

2. She does

There are good people supporting all our candidates.


Still won't change this Latina's mind on whose bubble I pencil in on my ballot.

[aidbo]

3. I feel similarly.

She's certainly qualified enough to get another job once Hillary is done running.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Hopefully Secretary Clinton will have a place for this brave young woman in her administration.

As the son of an amputee I can empathize with her struggles.

[oasis]

5. Great story. <nt>

[DemocratSinceBirth]

6. Coming from Orlando I liked the Shriners connection.

I have known a few Shriners. They take their mission seriously.

[oasis]

7. I grew up in Los Angeles. Shriners work well respected there also.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. Small world...I am in Woodland Hills now...

I used to always buy tickets to their circuses and give them away...

What is their saying?

"No man is so large as when he stoops to help a child."

What a uplifting story.

[oasis]

9. And their East vs. West Football slogan:

"Strong legs run so that weak legs may walk".

Great organization.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. Those guys were sincere and earnest

They would deliver the tickets to my home.

I remember one year I helped them out and sold tickets to all my office mates.