Emma Salisbury is a 17 year old student of Sullivan Heights Secondary School who defines the words determined, strong and courageous.

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In 2015 after attending The National Ballet School of Canada Emma was diagnosed with severe Lupus that attacked both her kidneys and bone marrow. A week after starting chemotherapy Emma suffered a massive stroke which left her completely paralyzed on the left side of her body, confined to a wheelchair unable to sit up, eat or do simple things we all take for granted like dressing herself.

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Through extreme determination, hard work and perseverance Emma now walks with no aids is able to perform most tasks by herself, and is going to graduate on time despite a year's absence from school. Emma has once again started ballet and is assisting to teach younger aspiring ballerinas at her old dance studio.

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Winner of the Lupus Society of BC's courage to inspire award, Emma hopes to encourage others with disabilities to never give up and realize that you can do anything you set your mind to because "life is not waiting for the storm to pass but rather learning how to dance in the rain."