There was an inspiring article this week in the Victorville (California) Daily Press about a woman who is defying the odds. Reporter Ryan Orr introduces us to Sherry Pierce, a 40-year-old Victorville resident who has spinal muscular atrophy.

Here’s an excerpt from the story:

Some women inspire others by running for office, or giving to charity, or standing in a picket line, or keeping their seat at the front of the bus. Sherri Pierce inspires people by simply getting up and going to work everyday.

Pierce was born with spinal muscular atrophy and has been confined to a wheelchair since she was 3. She remembers when she was very little, being able to stand but only for a short while before her legs would give out. It is a degenerative muscle disease. As time passes, her condition worsens. But that has done nothing to weaken her resolve. She is overwhelmingly positive.

She celebrated her 40th birthday in early February, making her life 36 years longer than doctors had predicted to her parents. Everyday she continues to defy the odds and no longer bothers with doctor’s opinions. In fact, she describes herself as somewhat anti-doctor.

“Doctors don’t always know the power of positive thinking,” she said.

Pierce works as a counselor for students with disabilities at Victor Valley College, where she earned her associate degree in liberal arts. She then got her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, both from California State University, San Bernardino.

“She’s such an inspiration, not only to the able-bodied people, she demonstrates to all the people with disabilities — whether they were born with them or acquired them — so much hope,” said Eileen Sullivan, friend and co-worker. “She’s a girlie girl,” said Sullivan.

Pierce has lived in the Victor Valley since 1978. She owns her own home in Hesperia. She can remember when Bear Valley Road was two lanes and actually used to get from one place to another in under an hour. She is unable to drive, because her arms are too weak to turn a steering wheel. That didn’t stop her from going to a special training center and trying. “I’ll try anything,” she said.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

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