'When the critics said no, I said yes'

Shannon K. Rose, 36, Tampa

GOAL: To appear on a worldwide stage to show others with disabilities that they can become a success. I accomplished it by appearing as a ring announcer in EA Sports' mixed martial arts video game.

WHY I DID IT: Ever since I can remember, I've been considered "different." I was diagnosed at a very young age with the life-threatening condition Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of heritable connective tissue disorders that affects about 1 in 15,000. It is characterized by joint hyper-mobility, skin extensibility (stretchy skin) and tissue fragility (scarring and bruising). I have the hyper-mobility type, which affects nerves and muscles.

Encountering various physical struggles throughout life made it more difficult for me to achieve success. But when the critics said no, I said yes!

I realize there are a lot of people out there with some kind of handicap. I want to be a positive example for them, to motivate them to work hard and never give up on their dreams, no matter what people say.

Our minds have more control over our bodies than we think, so if people believe that they will get better and will succeed, many times they do.

HOW I DID IT: I went through a lot of pain and medical procedures as a child, and still do to this day.

I was diagnosed by Dr. Boris Kousseff at the University of South Florida when I was 2. I was flown all over the United States to be treated, including to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I went through a lot of physical therapy, which could be tedious and frustrating, especially since it didn't always work.

I actually played video games when other physical therapy wouldn't work. It motivated me to work hard to move my hands and fingers; moving the controls was like exercise, so it was a dream come true to end up in a video game.

The Make A Wish Foundation granted me the chance to meet Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and the "Dean of Pro Wrestling Broadcasters" Gordon Solie, who gave me my first chance to work in pro wrestling as a reporter at age 13. I started ring announcing at the age of 14 and hosted my own TV show.

When I auditioned for the mixed martial arts video game last November, they thought the best role for me would be as a ring announcer. On the first day, I said to myself, "Shannon, this is tougher than you thought, but your dream has come true."

HURDLES: I have been through many challenges throughout my life, including losing my voice for a year, suffering paralysis of both arms and left diaphragm for many years, and experiencing heart problems. I currently have no feeling in my arms.

As a young child, I couldn't even attend school. When I finally could, I was often made fun of and bullied because of my condition.

I have had a few close calls in my life, but always pulled through. During those close calls, it was my dad who was always there to save me, whether emotionally or physically. My parents, to this day, are my best friends.

GOING THE DISTANCE: I have had so many accomplishments over the years, from owning my own national public relations company, Eclectic Media Productions, to appearing in this video game.

Next up is a possible book deal, and I am in talks for a TV or reality show around my life and EDS.

Another great success in my eyes is being named national spokesperson for EDS Network CARES. I have had the chance to raise awareness for EDS on TV and radio in addition to speaking for the past 10 years at the Great American Teach-In and hosting charity events.

BEST ADVICE: Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Just be willing to think outside the box and ignore the naysayers, and you will be able to succeed, no matter what challenges lie ahead.