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Uniquely Made: Lanaia's Journey of Purpose and Perseverance
Posted on May 07, 2026
From the moment she entered the world, Lanaia's story has been one of extraordinary strength, resilience and determination. Born prematurely at just 26 weeks, she weighed only 2 pounds and 5.6 ounces. Her early days were spent in the NICU following an emergency C-section, where doctors warned her parents of the grim possibilities: survival was uncertain, and if she did survive, she might never walk or face significant developmental challenges. Her parents could only hold her days after her birth, balancing the fragile reality of caring for a newborn while managing the needs of her one-year-old sister amidst the stress of constant hospital visits.
As a toddler, Lanaia was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts her from the waist down. Her early journey was a challenging one, filled with physical therapy, surgeries, Botox injections, muscle release procedures, casting, leg braces, crutches and a walker. Each milestone was uniquely hers, met with an unyielding spirit.
Upon entering middle school, Lanaia made a defining choice: she shed her leg braces and walker to ensure others could see her for who she truly was, not just her disability. "That was a different path, and it took a little longer," she reflected, "but I still made it to the same destination as everyone else." This courageous decision marked a pivotal shift in her life, as she learned to advocate for herself and navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Lanaia later found her home at Fort Valley State University, a choice influenced by the legacy of her proud parents, both alumni of the institution. Here, she committed herself to stepping outside her comfort zone, a decision that would profoundly shape her college experience. On a whim, she ran for class secretary as a freshman, with no intent to win but to challenge herself. Surprisingly, she won, paving the way for a remarkable leadership journey that included two years as an SGA senator.
Her impact extended far beyond student government. Lanaia became a bright star in the university choir, serving as a section leader and administrator, leaving audiences captivated with her powerful solos. Her dedication to academic and professional excellence never wavered. As a social work major with a psychology minor, Lanaia is on track to graduate summa cum laude, taking pride in her accomplishments as a Thurgood Marshall Scholar and participant in the DefCon Atlanta Leadership Institute.
Gratitude fills her heart for mentors like Kay Gresham, Ph.D., assistant professor of social work, D'Netra Young-Lawal, Ph.D., lecturer of social work, Deja Thomas, MSW, professor of social work, and Alicia Carner-McDonald, director of the FVSU Choir, who've guided her along her path. Yet through all her accolades and achievements, Lanaia remains centered in her identity. "I have a disability, but I am not my disability," she emphasizes. "I am much more than that."
Her journey has fueled a passion for uplifting others. "Growth comes from stepping into uncomfortable spaces," she advises. "Be scared and do it anyway. You don't have to force yourself into a circle; the right people will find you." She implores everyone to look beneath the surface, asserting, "Don't judge a book by its cover. The most valuable things are what's inside. I am more than what you see on the outside, and so are you."
As Lanaia prepares for the next chapter of her life, she has been accepted into Georgia State University's Master of Social Work program, where she will accelerate her degree in just three semesters. Her future is anchored in purpose, focused on working with young people and on establishing a nonprofit or ministry dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. She is determined to enhance awareness, educate others about disabilities, and create inclusive spaces that foster understanding, particularly among youth.
"My message is to stop trying to hide the very thing that sets you apart," Lanaia urges. "You were created for a purpose."
Graduating is more than a milestone for Lanaia; it symbolizes the triumph over uncertainty. On Saturday, she will walk across the stage at Fort Valley State University, an embodiment of defiance against the odds presented to her before she could even speak for herself.
Each time Lanaia steps into a room, her presence resonates profoundly. As she forges ahead, she carries with her a simple yet powerful belief: you can take a different path and still arrive exactly where you are meant to be. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an inspiration to all.
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