Shawna May is no stranger to the entertainment business. She started her radio career at the age of 15 while still in high school. Her first experience in the entertainment business began at a local radio station located in Upstate, NY.
Shawna has interviewed some of the top celebrities including Counting Crows, Gavin DeGraw, Mick Foley, Foreigner, O-Town, Adam Lambert, Perez Hilton, Weird Al Yankovic among many others in the industry.
Shawna May entered into this world prematurely weighing a mere 1lb 4.5oz, at just 5 1/2 months gestation in 1989. From her earliest moments, Shawna faced adversity head-on, she defied the odds from her very first breath, setting the stage for a life characterized by tenacity and determination as she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis, and Hand Paralysis. Doctors painted a bleak picture, unsure if this tiny fighter would survive the challenges ahead.
Despite the grim prognosis, Shawna’s spirit proved indomitable. Through numerous surgeries, countless hospital stays, and health obstacles, she refused to be defined by her disabilities. Her resilience and determination served as guiding beacons, propelling her forward on a journey of extraordinary strength and courage.
Growing up, Shawna navigated the challenges of her early start with grace and fortitude, learning the value of perseverance and the power of resilience. Her journey through childhood was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world around her.
Name: Shawna May
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Share your journey and experiences with your disability, and how it has shaped who you are today?
Shawna May: I’ve had an incredible journey that began the moment I was born, fighting for my life. That fighting spirit stayed with me, shaping who I am today. My disability doesn’t define me; it’s just one part of my story.
Thanks to my mom’s unwavering belief in me, I learned early on to never say, “No, I can’t.” Instead, I’ve always found a way to achieve what I set my mind to. Every challenge has made me stronger and more determined, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
How has your disability influenced and enhanced your career, particularly in your role as a co-host on Shawna and LaLa?
Shawna May: My disability, which includes Mild CP, Scoliosis, and Hand Paralysis, has profoundly influenced and enhanced my career, especially as a co-host on “Shawna and LaLa.” It provides me with a unique platform to offer listeners an authentic glimpse into my daily experiences.
I make it a point in almost every show to share how I’ve overcome various obstacles, whether it’s navigating and advocating for myself within the healthcare system or finding ways to accomplish tasks independently around my apartment. By sharing these stories, I aim to inspire others and demonstrate that no challenge is insurmountable.
What misconceptions about your disability do you often encounter, and how do you address them?
Shawna May: Everywhere I go people think I can’t do anything independently. I am very vocal and if I need help I ask.
Talk about a moment or experience where you felt your disability was a superpower
When I got my first car! The way it was modified it looked like a spaceship. (Facepalm) But it was cool, everyone thought it was the neatest thing!
What advice would you give to others with disabilities who are striving to achieve their dreams and goals?
Shawna May: Don’t give up! Never allow anyone to tell you you can’t do something because you have health challenges or a disability.
How can society become more inclusive and supportive of individuals with disabilities, based on your experiences?
Shawna May: Be kinder! Teach your kids not to stare, point, and please do not come up to us and ask what is wrong with us? Because my answer is, nothing. Everyone is created differently. Some people wear glasses, others don’t need them to see. Some people are bald. Some people speak to communicate, others use sign language.
What role does advocacy play in your life, and how do you use your platform to raise awareness about disabilities?
Shawna May: I’m always advocating for myself to get what I want and what is best for me. Whether it is test results, or services from the state. I love helping others navigate the NY State system and helping them get services and assistance. Our platform raises awareness by showing others just because you have a “disability or health challenge” you can still live a full exciting life and live independently.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Shawna May for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
Disclaimer: The WellnessVoice Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
