My Story
Every journey has moments that change everything. Mine began in Latvia, brought me to Ireland in the name of love, led me unexpectedly into the world of modelling, and ultimately became a fight for my life. Every challenge I have faced has shaped the person I am today. This is my story.
A New Beginning in Ireland
I was born and raised in Latvia. My life was ordinary until I followed my "crazy, stupid love" to Ireland after my boyfriend moved there for work.
I didn't come to Ireland looking for work. I already had a good life in Latvia, and moving was simply a decision made for love. Once I settled in Ireland, I found a job and started building a new life.
Modelling wasn't part of the plan. In fact, modelling found me. A friend secretly sent my photos to a modelling agency without telling me. When they asked to meet me, he practically dragged me there.
I had no expectations at all. I thought it would just be a bit of fun alongside my regular jobs. Instead, after that first meeting, I began receiving invitations for photoshoots and campaigns one after another.
Everything seemed to be falling into place. I had no idea how quickly that would change.
These photographs capture the beginning of my journey — from my childhood and teenage years to my first steps in Ireland and the start of my modelling career. Looking back now, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.
Everything Changed
Not long after, I began feeling unwell. At first, I didn't realise how serious it was. I called my mum in Latvia, and she encouraged me to come home so we could find out what was wrong.
I returned to Latvia for medical examinations.
I was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (Grade IV), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The doctors told me that I had no more than three months to live.
In a single moment, everything I had built, every plan I had made, and every dream I had for the future seemed to disappear.
Fighting for My Life
The years that followed were the darkest of my life.
I underwent two brain surgeries and developed double meningitis. After my first operation, I lost the ability to walk. Despite years of treatment and rehabilitation, my condition deteriorated once again. As the tumour continued to grow, I gradually lost both my sight and hearing.
There were times when I lost all hope and could no longer imagine a future for myself.
I was told that there was nothing more the doctors could do except provide palliative care. Close friends came to say goodbye, believing it might be the last time they would see me.
Hope When There Was None
When all hope seemed lost, the people closest to me refused to give up.
My mother and my best friend made the difficult decision to share my story publicly. Until then, I had kept my illness private, but they believed it was the only way to save my life.
Friends, former colleagues and complete strangers came together to raise the money I needed for my treatment. Their generosity made the third operation possible and gave me the chance to continue fighting.
That moment changed everything.
Learning to Live Again
The third operation saved my life, but it was only the beginning of a long journey. More treatment followed, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and years of rehabilitation.
At my lowest point, I was bedridden and weighed 94 kilograms.
The first goal I set for myself was simply to be able to use the bathroom independently, without having to ask someone for help. Regaining that small piece of independence meant everything to me.
Another goal was to return to a healthy weight. Throughout my illness, I avoided cameras because I didn't want people to remember me at my weakest.
Every small achievement became a victory. Step by step, I regained my independence, rebuilt my strength and slowly began to rebuild my life.
Coming Home
Although my treatment took place in Latvia, Ireland never stopped feeling like home.
The people of Ireland had helped save my life, and I never forgot that. Throughout the years, I kept saying that one day I would return. Most people didn't believe me. Some even laughed at the idea.
At the time, I was using a wheelchair. Returning to Ireland alone, without family or any support, was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. But I believed Ireland would give me the best chance to build an independent life.
The first few years were far from easy. Starting over in a new country while living with a disability brought many challenges. Slowly, I rebuilt my life. I found a home, gained my independence and finally began to feel settled again.
Only then was I able to start thinking about the future instead of simply getting through each day.
Finding My Purpose
After settling into life in Ireland, I became involved in a local community group for people with disabilities.
Over time, the group became much more than that. The people I met there became like family.
When I was later elected Chairperson of Ballymun Active Disability Interest Group (BADIG), I knew I wanted to help the group grow and make a real difference in our community.
Living with a disability myself, I understand the barriers people face because I experience many of them every day. That is why I am passionate about promoting inclusion, improving accessibility, removing barriers and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
I believe disability is a normal part of life, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community.
Back on the Runway
Once my life had become more stable, I finally allowed myself to think about something I had not dared to imagine for many years – modelling.
Fashion has always been my passion, and returning to it felt like rediscovering a part of myself that I thought I had lost forever.
I knew I would never be the same person I had been before my illness, but I also realised I didn't have to be. My disability had become part of my story, not the end of it.
Returning to the runway was both exciting and emotional. I wasn't trying to prove anything to anyone. I simply wanted to show that beauty, confidence and strength come in many different forms.
Today, I proudly model with my LifeGlider (a walking aid), using every opportunity to challenge stereotypes and encourage greater representation of people with disabilities in the fashion industry.
Today
Today, I continue to combine my greatest passions – fashion, disability advocacy and living a healthy, active lifestyle.
As a model, community activist and Chairperson of Ballymun Active Disability Interest Group (BADIG), I work to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion and encourage greater representation of people with disabilities in society.
Looking after my health has become an important part of my life. I enjoy exercising, eating a healthy diet and doing everything I can to stay strong, active and independent.
My journey is far from over. I still have many goals and dreams to achieve.
Throughout my journey, I was told many things: that I had no more than three months to live, that I would never see again, and that I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
Today, I live, I can see, I walk with my LifeGlider (a walking aid), I model, I advocate for disability rights, and I continue to move forward.
That is why I truly believe that nothing is impossible if you truly want something, never give up and keep fighting for what matters.
