Tell us about yourself
My name is Jacqueline. I’m 57 years old and live in Mississippi. I was born on January 1, 1968, with my feet turned backwards—a physical reminder of a drug that changed the course of thousands of lives. That drug was Thalidomide. I walk, but I can’t bend my legs. I have to use my hands to lift myself off my bed and couch. Thalidomide stunted my growth—I’m 4 feet tall, with short legs and long arms. I have all my fingers, but only nine toes.
I’m a watchman, intercessor, podcast host, and author, called to dedicate my life to God. I’m a mother, a dreamer, and a believer in rising up to defeat life’s challenges—not as a victim, but as someone who is victorious. I’ve been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine and Today’s Purpose Woman’s Magazine.
People describe me as charismatic, outgoing, energetic, and likable, with a humble spirit and a great sense of humor.
Thalidomide was first introduced in the 1950s and early 60s to help pregnant women with morning sickness. It was affordable, available without prescription, and heavily distributed—even to doctors in the United States, despite not being approved by the FDA. My mother was one of the women given a sample at a clinic when she was struggling with severe nausea during pregnancy.
No one could’ve imagined the impact that small pill would have on the rest of my life.
Doctors told my parents I wouldn’t live long. And if I did, I’d never walk. But my parents didn’t give up on me—and neither did God. They took me to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital where, by the grace of God, the doctors were able to turn my feet forward. But that was just the beginning of a long journey.
I didn’t have a typical childhood. Hospitals became my second home. I didn’t attend public school because I was constantly undergoing major surgeries—24 total. I went from a scooter, to a wheelchair, to braces and crutches. I spent most of my childhood at Crippled Children’s Hospital School, which cared for children with serious birth defects at no cost to their families. The nurses became part of my life—feeding us, wheeling us to breakfast, and getting us ready for the day.
Our schoolroom looked like a replica of the White House. It was there I learned, lived, and prepared for each transition—from recovery to surgery, and back again. When I entered sixth grade, I had my final surgery. I was still using crutches and braces until one year later, when the doctors released me. For the first time, I could walk on my own.
Are there things about you that people misunderstand because of your disability?
Yes. Thalidomide stunted my growth, so I am only 4 feet tall. People, especially children, often don’t understand why I am so short.
What is one thing, experience, or person you have had that completely changed your life?
Honestly, I haven’t had anyone who inspired me. I’ve always been alone. People have come and gone, sometimes taking advantage. I learned from it and moved forward.
What’s one thing about you that surprises people?
People are often surprised by the wisdom God has placed inside me, and the knowledge and understanding I have to help others.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Don’t allow your disability to overcome you. With God’s strength, you can overcome your disability—with faith and determination.
Is there something you’d like people to know about you or about people with disability that they might not know?
My disability gives me willpower. With God’s strength, I don’t give up. It gives me confidence that I am not a victim, but victorious.
You can connect with Jaqueline on her website https://shorturl.at/hD9vA
or read her Biography Overcomer By Jacqueline Williamson on Amazon
https://shorturl.at/uLcDp
