Celeste Juarez 11 years old and was born and raised in New Braunfels, TX. She has one older sister and older brother. Her diagnosis is Phocomelia per her mom. Celeste is currently in the third grade at Lone Star Elementary in New Braunfels where she started two years ago. She did not have a wheelchair and had not attended school before. The school nurse, Laura Dietert, who nominated Celeste for “Little Miss Wheelchair Texas” says about her, “I remember one day when she came to the nurse’s office and told me her class was learning to dance. I thought to myself how could that be without legs to dance with. Well, she showed me. That evening at our school program I watched her dance. She was glowing with joy and as the music played she wriggled at her waist and shoulders and hopped with the beat. They had partners and she kept up with the other students. Celeste is constantly smiling and encouraging those around her with kind words. She seems genuinely concerned about others’ feelings and frequently gives hugs. Celeste has no problem with not having legs and openly answers questions. This year she received her own custom wheelchair and loves her new mobility. Every day with Celeste is a new and exciting day. She shows those around her what true joy is and what life is about. Celeste is truly an amazing young lady.”