'My transformation was for that little girl in a hospital bed': Woman, 25, with cerebral palsy who was bullied for being in a wheelchair is now preparing for a bodybuilding competition
- Mariana Sfakianakis, 25, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth
- She started high school in a wheelchair and admitted to being physically bullied
- Her dedication to exercise has made her stronger and she can walk unassisted
- The Sydney-based woman's goal is to compete in a bodybuilding competition
When Mariana Sfakianakis uploads a 'transformation' photo of herself to social media it has nothing to do with gaining or losing weight.
Instead, the 25-year-old beauty from Sydney is showing a little girl who grew up in and out of hospitals, holding crutches and relying on wheelchairs who has blossomed into a strong and fiercely independent woman.
'My transformation wasn't about losing weight, gaining weight, preparing for a bodybuilding competition... it wasn't for a boy or for Instagram. It wasn't about wanting the biggest booty or biceps,' she explained to her 52,000 followers.
When Mariana Sfakianakis (pictured) uploads a 'transformation' photo of herself to social media it has nothing to do with gaining or losing weight
'My transformation wasn't about losing weight, gaining weight, preparing for a bodybuilding competition... it wasn't for a boy or for Instagram. It wasn't about wanting the biggest booty or biceps,' she explained to her 52,000 followers
'My transformation was about a little girl in those hospital beds fighting for her life, fighting for strength and fighting to prove that no disability could ever and never will stop her from feeling beautiful and having a kind soul.'
Mariana, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, is set to appear on stage at an amateur bodybuilding competition in less than two months time, which for a girl who endured physical torments from bullies over her physical appearance is a dream she has had for a long time.
'Exercise helps me with cerebral palsy more so mentally than physically. It has gotten me through some pretty rough days as I use the gym and exercise as my getaway and happy place,' she told FEMAIL.
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'There are a lot of exercises that I'm limited to doing which can sometimes effect my level of growth, especially in my lower body, although I have figured out different exercise alternatives which are easier for me to do.
'There are days were I wish it could be easier but I never give up and am always looking for new things to try.'
Having moved out of home recently Mariana had made 'huge steps of independence' and is grateful for every day she gets to 'wake up'.
Having moved out of home recently Mariana had made 'huge steps of independence' and is grateful for every day she gets to 'wake up' (pictured as a child and now)
'There are a lot of exercises that I'm limited to doing which can sometimes effect my level of growth, especially in my lower body, although I have figured out different exercise alternatives which are easier for me to do,' she said
Previously, FEMAIL spoke to Mariana about her condition, which resulted from a lack of oxygen at birth.
'I was born in Greece as a premature baby. Doctors had told my mum prior to giving birth that I was going to be a stillborn and so we had no preparation for post labour,' she said.
'I was immediately rushed over to the intensive care unit but by that time I had lost large amounts of oxygen which caused damage to my brain resulting in a permanent condition called cerebral palsy.'
Mariana's condition affected the movement in her legs, muscle control and balance. She moved to Australia at the age of five in hopes of finding more advanced doctors and treatments.
'As a young kid I never understood what was really happening and why I was different to all the other kids. I got bullied for not walking like all the others and for also being in a wheelchair.
'This caused major anxiety, depression and being so young I never really knew how to deal with it besides self harm. When I reached year six I had multi level surgery, almost not making it through the eight hour procedure leaving me with nine scars on my legs,' the caption continued.
The Sydney-based 25-year-old Mariana Sfakianakis posted this image to Instagram in an effort to explain what her life was like growing up with cerebral palsy
'I was born in Greece as a premature baby. Doctors had told my mum prior to giving birth that I was going to be a stillborn and so we had no preparation for post labour,' she said
The surgery was thankfully a success but the 25-year-old still couldn't move her legs for almost eight months. She was forced to learn how to walk again using a frame and then crutches.
'Although I was told that I would never be 100 per cent normal my results were incredible and I was gratefully content. I never wanted to be perfect. Just better,' she said.
Mariana's Instagram page is filtered with incredible fitness feats and personal bests.
She said exercise is what helped her overcome longstanding mental and physical issues.
'Starting high school in a wheelchair was a struggle that lead me to depression and anxiety. It took me many years to overcome it before I decided to drop out in year ten and start my fitness journey,' she explained.
'Although I was told that I would never be 100 per cent normal my results were incredible and I was gratefully content. I never wanted to be perfect. Just better,' she said
The surgery was thankfully a success but the 25-year-old still couldn't move her legs for almost eight months. She was forced to learn how to walk again using a frame and then crutches
The kids at school were not as educated about disabilities as they are now, Mariana went on to say.
The 25-year-old wasn't able to run and keep her balance and was in 'daily pain' as a result of her walking pattern.
Children found ways to stir her about it.
'It was quiet often verbal but also physical bullying. I was always very soft and didn't stick up for myself because I was scared,' she said.
'I thought that there was nothing I could really do and if I did stick up for myself it would only make it worse.
'Starting high school in a wheelchair was a struggle that lead me to depression and anxiety. It took me many years to overcome it before I decided to drop out in year ten and start my fitness journey,' she explained
'I spent most days crying and feeling very lonely which most times lead to self harm. That was the only way I knew how to deal with it,' she said.
Social media and exercise has completely transformed Mariana's life. Her followers see her an inspiration, particularly those in 'similar situations'.
'I've built myself to be a strong and independent young lady that is always focused on improving everyday. My fitness journey has had a huge impact on my life today and the support of all my friends and family,' she said.
