Steph Beth Nickel

Living Beyond My Circumstances: the Deborah Willows Story Steph Beth Nickel

When Deb Willows was diagnosed with cerebral palsy 50 years ago, her parents were advised to "put her in an institution and get on with your lives." Experts believed parents were incapable of raising disabled children. But God had other plans. Deb's parents challenged her to see her severe limitations as opportunities, to dream big dreams and to work hard to accomplish them. Overcoming many challenges, Deb has blazed the trail for other disabled people, representing Canada around the world as a Paralympian and the first disabled boccia ball referee. Her story is one of hope and inspiration for everyone who has a dream they want to achieve but with obstacles to overcome. Deb Willows has truly lived beyond her circumstances and demonstrates that with God's help we can all accomplish great things! Deb represented Canada numerous times on the world stage in swimming, slalom, wheelchair soccer and boccia. At her first international boccia event (New York, 1984), she won a bronze medal in the women's CP1 category. She competed at the 1988 Paralympic Games and set a Canadian and world record in the 50m backstroke at the 1986 Paralympic Games. In 1990, Debbie broke this record at Assen, and then demonstrated slalom for the Queen of Holland.