Justine Van Den Borne, a brave woman battling multiple sclerosis (MS), recently experienced a distressing incident at the Mitcham Shopping Centre in Melbourne, Australia. As someone with a disability, Justine depends on handicapped parking spaces to ease her daily struggles. However, her visit to the mall took an emotionally devastating turn when she found a hateful note on her windshield.
The note, cruelly asking, “Did you forget your wheelchair???”, was clearly written by someone who misunderstood Justine’s condition. Despite not relying on a wheelchair at that moment, Justine disclosed her MS diagnosis and the importance of having access to a handicapped parking space. She explained that her symptoms fluctuate, making some days more challenging than others.
In her powerful Facebook post, Justine shed light on the misconception that disabilities always involve the use of a wheelchair. She bravely stood up against those who judge and criticize without understanding the struggles hidden beneath the surface. Her message resonated with thousands of people, amassing over 17,500 likes and numerous shares.
Justine’s closing words were a crucial reminder for empathy and kindness. She encouraged others not to jump to conclusions and never assume they know someone’s circumstances. As Justine expressed, “Because of my age, they look at me and automatically presume I’m doing the wrong thing. But actually, I can’t carry my own shopping, can’t walk long distances, I have the bladder of an 80-year-old.”
At forty-one years old, Justine was diagnosed with MS at the age of thirty-five. Her powerful response to the hateful note serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us to be considerate and understanding, even when someone’s struggles may not be visible at first glance.
