{"id":14749,"date":"2023-10-23T14:59:17","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T18:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/?p=14749"},"modified":"2024-08-29T15:46:19","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T19:46:19","slug":"juan-morales-the-rebel-in-a-wheelchair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/posts\/juan-morales-the-rebel-in-a-wheelchair\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rebel in a Wheelchair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized is-style-lightbox\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Juan Morales\" class=\"wp-image-14752\" style=\"width:302px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1.jpg 1791w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button class=\"modal-toggle\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"modal\" data-bs-target=\"#mg-image-modal\" aria-label=\"View image in lightbox\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1791\" height=\"1791\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Juan Morales\" hidden=\"\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1.jpg 1791w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_1-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1791px) 100vw, 1791px\" \/><\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">At 39 years old, there\u2019s not much that Juan Morales hasn\u2019t already achieved. Despite living with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/therapeutic-areas\/spinal-muscular-atrophy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)<\/a>, a severe, genetic motoneuron disease causing muscle weakness and wasting, Juan\u2019s own determination has led him to transform his life to find purpose. From writing an autobiographical book on personal&nbsp;development, advocating for people with muscular dystrophies and becoming a therapist, life coach and motivational speaker, Juan\u2019s rollercoaster journey from rebellious teen to a self-assured successful adult means he is a recognized role model within the Duchenne community and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">As author to his autobiography, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/REBEL-Wheelchair-Juan-Morales\/dp\/1548456063\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">REBEL in a wheelchair<\/a>,\u201d Juan\u2019s life has been anything but simple. Born in Paterson, NJ, Juan was 2.5 years old when he was diagnosed with SMA. After being told he was unlikely to live past the age of 5, his parents vowed to make every day positive. Despite living longer than his doctor\u2019s estimations, 12-year-old Juan\u2019s enthusiasm for life was crumbled after a physician told him to live out the remainder of his life on his computer. Juan was left in shock \u2013 and spent many of his own teenage years rebelling against school and authority as a way of coping with his own condition and diagnosis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized is-style-lightbox\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the front cover of Juan Morales, MS, AIDCP book, \u201cRebel in a Wheelchair\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-14750\" style=\"width:245px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-400x518.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-scaled.jpg 1978w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><button class=\"modal-toggle\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"modal\" data-bs-target=\"#mg-image-modal\" aria-label=\"View image in lightbox\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1978\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"DuchenneCan - Juan Morales\" hidden=\"\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-scaled.jpg 1978w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https:\/\/www.ptcbio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/DuchenneCan-Juan_2-400x518.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1978px) 100vw, 1978px\" \/><\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">Juan\u2019s life reached a turning point when, as a teenager, he got in trouble with the law. Often describing this as a \u201clight bulb moment,\u201d Juan drew on the strength and unconditional love from his parents and decided that he would dedicate the rest of his life to creating a positive impact in the wider community. Juan has coined this poignant life change as his transition from \u201crebel without a cause\u201d to a \u201crebel with a cause,\u201d which also inspired the name behind his book, \u201cREBEL in a wheelchair,\u201d available on Amazon (see link below). Detailing his ultimate journey to self-acceptance, independence and self-assurance, Juan\u2019s main message in the book is to showcase that, \u201c<strong><em>Anything is achievable, despite your initial circumstances or condition.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">After seeking a therapist after his troubled phase, Juan\u2019s life was transformed, and he knew that he had found a skill he could bring to the wider muscular dystrophy community. Motivated by his newfound purpose in life, after completing his probation, Juan went onto to receive a Master\u2019s degree in counseling psychology and trained as a therapist. Years later, Juan continues to help a growing number of young men from the Duchenne community improve their independence and confidence. He does this through role playing social interactions and encouraging their confidence to grow in real-world settings. Juan is vocal in the fact that stereotypes often surround people with disabilities, but is confident this can change\u2026 <strong><em>\u201cI often find people with physical disabilities are ringfenced into being shy or timid individuals, but I want to prove this isn\u2019t the case. You can be independent and drive a car, and you can go and hang out with your friends \u2013 your disability should not stop you living an independent life<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d Juan\u2019s advice for young adolescents with Duchenne is to look for ways to become independent, where possible. He is also a firm believer that there is power in your ability to make your own decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">Juan also works with Regis House, a non-profit organization supporting at-risk teenagers who have previously been in trouble with the law by helping them find a purpose. Juan has worked with the organization for over a decade and has provided 13 week long therapy programs for countless individuals, groups of young people and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">And, if a bestselling book and Master\u2019s degree wasn\u2019t enough, Juan is also closely involved in the wider muscular dystrophy community, such as Duchenne webinar sessions, as well as connecting patients, caregivers, parents and physicians within the Duchenne community. Available in both Spanish and English, the sessions cover a range of topics including mental health, access to higher education and support for parents of children living with Duchenne, fittingly titled, \u201cDon\u2019t baby me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">Outside of his more traditional advocacy work, Juan combined his love of music and motivational speaking and often incorporates uplifting raps into his work with the Duchenne and Regis House community. Juan was also involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Muscle Walk, an inspiring event that unites members of the Duchenne community and even composed and rapped a song for the Muscle&nbsp;Walk titled, &#8220;I&#8217;m a Do It My Way!\u201d Juan explains the lyrics are <strong><em>\u201caimed to take an active&nbsp;stance against the condition and encouraging us to fight for a cure.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7NvF56nmdkA]\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">watch Juan\u2019s debut here<\/a>. But, despite living a go-getter lifestyle, Juan also highlights the importance of taking time to prioritize mental wellbeing by relaxing and recharging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"quote-block  color-theme--white\">\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"quote-block__content\">\n\t\t<blockquote class=\"quote-block__text color-theme-border--white\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"quote-block__heading heading--4\">\n\t\t\t\tDespite living with SMA and its challenges, what keeps me and those around me strong is attaching my life to a purpose; purpose is what keeps the world moving \u2013 and your heart pumping, too!\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">To connect with Juan, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/juanminute-juan-morales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visit his LinkedIn page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"core-block core-paragraph\">Book \u2018Rebel in a Wheelchair\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/REBEL-Wheelchair-Juan-Morales\/dp\/1548456063\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can be found on Amazon<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite living with SMA, there\u2019s not much that Juan hasn\u2019t already achieved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16119,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,60],"tags":[],"media-type":[5],"therapeutic-area":[21,25],"class_list":["post-14749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rare-disease-community","category-rare-journeys"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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