Teen with muscular dystrophy celebrates ditching her wheelchair

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Latondra Chappell calls it her "Live Unlimited" moment. In June, the 18-year-old walked across the stage at the Mallard Creek High School graduation and received her diploma. Months earlier, she'd been confined to a wheelchair.

"I did a lot of physical therapy so they showed me step by step how I could get out of the wheelchair. I had to do some exercising at home," Latondra said.

A doctor the Chappells met through the Muscular Dystrophy Association convinced Latondra and her Mom Nikki, that she could in fact walk and didn't need to be bound to her wheelchair.

"It felt good to show others that if I can walk across that stage, anybody can do it," Latondra said.

Now, Latondra is learning to drive and is planning to start at CPCC in the fall to study to be a veterinarian.

The family says they've received mountains of support from MDA. The association recently kicked off their "Live Unlimited" campaign which encourages people with MD or ALS to live their lives as independently as possible.

MDA is currently seeking donations to help with treatment and programs for people like Latondra, so they too can "Live Unlimited."

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2016 WBTV. All rights reserved.