Dejana Backo’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and boundless love. Born without arms, she never let her disability define her. Instead, she pushed past every obstacle, proving that limitations exist only in the mind. Today, she is not only a celebrated athlete and artist but also a devoted mother who cares for her child with incredible skill—using only her feet.
Her journey is a testament to human resilience, showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness. From excelling in para taekwondo to becoming a mother, Dejana has redefined what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
Embracing Her Unique Identity
Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana grew up questioning why she was different. As a child, she often asked her mother why she didn’t have arms. However, as she matured, she realized that her body was not a limitation but a unique gift. She chose to embrace it and live life with confidence.
Her positive outlook and strong character helped her achieve incredible success in multiple fields. Nicknamed the “Girl with Wings”, she became a symbol of empowerment in Serbia, proving that strength comes from within.
An Extraordinary Athlete and Artist
Dejana’s achievements are nothing short of inspiring. At the young age of nine, she joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, a move that ignited her passion for art. Determined to refine her skills, she later pursued a degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, where she honed her talent and showcased her work across multiple Balkan countries.
Video : Mom withouth hands – playing with baby Lara – good morning – lets rock this day
But her passion didn’t stop at art. Dejana had always dreamed of competing in the Paralympic Games, leading her to take up para taekwondo in 2016. Her dedication paid off when she won the K41 women’s -47 kg division at the World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey in 2019—making history as Serbia’s first world champion in this category.
From Champion to Motherhood
In February 2023, Dejana embraced an entirely new role—motherhood. Choosing to step away from competitions, she prioritized preparing for her baby’s arrival, even deciding to skip the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. While she may not be competing in sports for now, she remains active in spreading inspiration through social media.
Motherhood comes with its own set of challenges, but Dejana has once again proved that she is unstoppable. She has mastered using her feet for everyday tasks, including feeding, dressing, and caring for her child. With the same resilience she showed in sports and art, she is tackling motherhood with grace and determination.
A Love Story Rooted in Strength and Support
Dejana is not alone in her journey—she has a strong and supportive partner. Her husband, a fitness instructor, has been by her side, providing encouragement and love. Their relationship is a powerful reminder that love transcends physical limitations.
The couple enjoys traveling and sharing their experiences online, proving that their bond is built on mutual admiration and shared adventures. On February 22, 2024, they took their love to the next level and officially tied the knot. In a heartfelt social media post, Dejana wrote:
“When you love without boundaries, unconditionally and completely pure. 22.2.2024—the day these two beautiful people swore before God for eternal love!”
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment that showed the world that true love knows no physical barriers.
Facing Motherhood with Confidence
For many new mothers, taking care of a child can feel overwhelming, but Dejana has adapted in extraordinary ways. She changes her baby’s diapers, clothes, and even walks with her by holding hands—using only her feet. Her ability to care for her child in such a unique way is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview, she spoke about the realities of being a disabled mother, admitting that there are challenges but emphasizing that self-worth and a positive mindset help overcome any difficulties.
“We all have some difficulties as people with disabilities,” Dejana shared. “But if you have a good picture of yourself, if you know who you are and what your worth is, you can overcome anything and focus on the positives.”
A Life That Inspires Millions
Dejana’s journey is more than just a personal success story—it is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. She has shown that no obstacle is too great, no dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to conquer.
- As an artist, she has defied expectations by painting breathtaking pieces with her feet.
- As an athlete, she has shattered records and proved that physical disabilities do not define one’s capabilities.
- As a mother, she is proving that love, creativity, and perseverance are more powerful than any physical limitation.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Love, and Strength
Dejana Backo’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and self-belief. From an inquisitive little girl questioning her differences to a world champion, artist, and loving mother—her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Video : Don’t look at what I don’t have, see what I can do ❤️ Girl With Wings
Her ability to embrace motherhood, overcome challenges, and live a fulfilling life is an inspiration to all. Whether she is painting, competing, or caring for her child, she continues to prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Dejana’s journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical abilities, but by the heart, resilience, and spirit of a person. She is not just an athlete, an artist, or a mother—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and love.
I Overslept on the Morning of My Crucial College Entrance Exams Because Someone Turned off My Alarm
The morning of my medical college entrance exam I woke up late to find all my alarms mysteriously turned off. As I raced against time, my 8-year-old brother stepped in with a plan that would save everything.
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. When my mom died of cancer, that dream only grew stronger. I wanted to help people like her, to understand the disease that had taken her and to help others fight it.
A dreaming woman | Source: Pexels
I worked for this moment for years, through late nights, countless books, and more exams than I could count. Today, all that work was about to pay off: it was finally the day of my medical entrance exam.
Last night, I did everything to make sure I wouldn’t oversleep. I set three alarms on my phone—6:00 a.m., 6:15 a.m., and 6:30 a.m. I even left my curtains open so that the sunlight would wake me up. As I lay in bed, I thought of my mom, promising myself I’d make her proud.
A sleeping woman | Source: Pexels
When I opened my eyes the next morning, something felt wrong. It was dark, too dark. I reached for my phone, and my heart stopped—9:55 a.m. My exam started at 10:00.
“No, no, no! This can’t be happening!” I threw my blankets off and grabbed my phone. All three alarms were turned off.
“I know I set these!” I muttered, my hands shaking as I got dressed in record time. My mind raced with questions. How did this happen?
A shocked woman in her bed | Source: Pexels
I bolted down the stairs, half-dressed, my hair flying everywhere. “Linda!” I called out, desperately looking for my stepmom. “Linda, please! I need a ride to the college. My exam is in five minutes!”
She was in the kitchen, sipping her coffee calmly, her eyes following me with a look I couldn’t quite place. She raised an eyebrow, giving me a look that was as cold as her coffee cup was hot.
A woman sipping coffee | Source: Pexels
“You’re late already,” she said flatly. “Maybe next time, you should learn to set an alarm properly.”
“I did set them!” I almost shouted, feeling the sting of frustration and panic in my voice. “I triple-checked. They were on, all three of them.”
An angry woman | Source: Pexels
She shrugged, a slight smirk on her lips. “Clearly, you didn’t. Maybe this is a sign that you’re not cut out for med school, hmm? If you can’t even manage to wake up on time, how will you handle something serious, like a patient?”
I stood there, feeling my face grow hot, my mind swirling with disbelief and desperation. This couldn’t be real. My stepmom wouldn’t do this to me, would she?
An angry woman in a red T-shirt | Source: Pexels
I turned toward the door, knowing I’d never make it on foot but feeling I had to try. Just as I reached for the handle, I heard a small voice behind me.
“I know who did it,” my little brother Jason said, his voice shaking with nervousness but his eyes steady.
I turned, confused. “Jason, what are you talking about?”
A young boy | Source: Pexels
He took a small step forward, looking at Linda cautiously. “I saw her. Last night. She turned off your alarms, Emily.”
Linda shot him a sharp look. “Jason, stop making up stories,” she hissed.
Jason gulped but didn’t back down. “I’m not lying! I saw you go into her room, pick up her phone, and turn off the alarms. You said she didn’t need to be at that stupid exam anyway.”
A serious boy | Source: Pexels
My mind was spinning. I looked at Linda, searching her face for denial, for any sign she’d say it was a misunderstanding. But she just sighed, crossing her arms.
“You know what, Emily?” she said coolly, her voice hardening. “Fine. Yes, I did it. You’re not fit to be a doctor. It’s a waste of time, energy, and, frankly, a lot of money that your dad could spend on something worthwhile.”
“Like… your beauty salon?” The words came out before I could stop them.
An angry middle-aged woman | Source: Freepik
Just as I was about to push past her and leave, I heard sirens in the distance, getting louder, heading toward our house.
Jason, now clutching my hand, gave me a small, hopeful smile. “Don’t worry, Em. I called for help.”
Linda’s face hardened as she looked at Jason, who stood at my side, clutching my hand. “You seriously did this?” she asked, barely able to form the words.
The police sirens | Source: Pexels
Jason’s small voice cut through the tension. “You are the bad guy, Linda,” he said, his eyes fierce despite his small frame. “Emily is going to be a doctor one day. Mom would be proud of her.”
Linda’s face twisted, and before she could say anything, the wailing sirens outside grew louder. I watched her look toward the window, her eyes widening with surprise.
The front door opened, and two police officers stepped inside. One of them, a tall, broad man, spoke with a calm authority. “Is everything alright here?”
A policeman on duty | Source: Pexels
Jason didn’t miss a beat. “I called you,” he said, standing tall despite his young age. “My sister needs to get to her entrance exam. Linda turned off her alarms so she’d miss it.”
The officer’s eyes moved to Linda, who immediately put on an innocent act. “This is absurd!” she scoffed, folding her arms. “They’re just children, making things up because they’re late.”
But the other officer, a woman with kind eyes, knelt down to Jason’s level. “You called us to help your sister?” she asked gently.
A serious policewoman | Source: Pexels
Jason nodded vigorously. “Yes. Emily studied so hard, and she was ready. Linda turned off her alarms so she’d miss her test.”
The officers exchanged a glance, then turned to me. “Is that true?” the male officer asked.
“Yes,” I whispered, feeling the weight of everything settle over me. “I have to get to my college right now, or I’ll lose my chance to take the exam.”
A shocked woman | Source: Pexels
The officers nodded, exchanging another glance. “Alright, young lady,” the female officer said, standing up, “We’re going to get you there.”
Linda’s face contorted with disbelief. “Wait, you’re actually going to escort her?” she stammered, her voice full of frustration. “This is ridiculous!”
“It’s our job to help people,” the officer replied, coolly dismissing Linda. “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
A serious policeman | Source: Pexels
I turned to Jason, who was smiling proudly, a little hero in his own right. “Thank you, Jason,” I whispered, hugging him tight. “You saved me.”
As I left with the officers, Linda’s face was a mix of fury and disbelief. The officers helped me into their squad car, and we sped down the road with the sirens blaring, weaving through traffic as we approached the college. My heart pounded in my chest, but this time, it was with determination.
A police car in the city | Source: Pexels
At the exam center, we pulled up just minutes before the doors were set to close. The officers stepped out with me, guiding me toward the entrance.
One of the proctors noticed us and approached, looking confused. “Ma’am, the exam is about to begin,” he said, glancing at the officers.
The policewoman explained quickly. “This young lady had her alarms sabotaged at home, but she’s here now. I understand if you can’t make exceptions, but if there’s any way she can sit for the exam…”
A policewoman talking | Source: Pexels
The proctor’s stern face softened as he listened. He looked me in the eyes, as if weighing my sincerity, then gave a brief nod. “Alright. Go on in.”
“Thank you,” I managed, barely believing I’d made it.
I found my seat, still rattled but refusing to let the morning’s events get the better of me. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for a second, and thought of my mom. This was my moment, and I wasn’t going to let anyone take it from me. I picked up my pencil and began the test.
A young woman writing an exam | Source: Pexels
Hours later, I walked out of the exam room, exhausted but relieved. The officers who had helped me were gone, but I felt their kindness in every step as I headed home. Jason was waiting on the front steps, and he jumped up as soon as he saw me.
“Did you do it?” he asked eagerly, his eyes bright with hope.
I nodded, a smile breaking out despite my exhaustion. “I did, thanks to you.”
A young smiling woman | Source: Freepik
He threw his arms around me. “I knew you could.”
Inside, my dad was waiting. His face was pale, his mouth set in a grim line. He’d been waiting for me to come home to hear everything. Jason took the lead, explaining every detail of what had happened while I was gone.
A smiling young boy | Source: Unsplash
My dad’s face grew red with anger, his eyes narrowing as he looked over at Linda, who was trying to look calm and unaffected. “Is this true?” he demanded, his voice trembling with restrained fury.
Linda’s eyes darted between us. “I… I was just trying to keep her from a mistake. I didn’t mean for it to go so far,” she mumbled, finally looking cornered.
“You sabotaged her dreams because of your own selfishness,” my dad said coldly. “You’re not staying here another night.”
An angry man | Source: Pexels
Linda’s face turned pale as she realized he was serious. She tried to protest, but he shook his head firmly. “Pack your things, Linda. This family deserves better than this.”
Jason and I stood by the door, watching as she finally left. There was no satisfaction in it, just a sense of justice and relief.
A woman looking through a gate | Source: Pexels
Liked this story? Consider checking out this one: I was heartbroken and furious when I discovered my mother-in-law Linda and her friends had devoured my $1000 wedding cake. I couldn’t believe they would ruin my special day on purpose, leaving only crumbs behind. Determined to teach my spiteful mother-in-law a lesson, I started plotting my revenge.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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