Sarasota, Florida -- 13-year-old Katrina Simpkins is eager to talk about some of her favorite activities.
She's an avid horseback rider, a cheerleader and gymnast. Katrina has even given modeling a try.
That's a lot for any teen. But the moment you meet her you realize, Katrina isn't just any teen.
I caught up with her when she was visiting Dan Strzempka of Hangar Prosthetics in Sarasota.
Strzempka is a prosthetist and orthotist. Katrina was being fitted for a new prosthetic leg.
She was born with a deformity called proximal femoral focal deficiency or PFFD. It's a condition that causes her right leg to be much shorter than her left one and her right foot is also much smaller.
Katrina hated wearing what she affectionately calls her "helper leg". She thought it made her stand out for all of the wrong reasons. In fact, when she would go out she always wanted to go where it was crowded, hoping no one would notice.
A reluctant visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium five years ago changed her life.
This Saturday, June 9, Katrina and bestselling author Nancy Stewart will be at the St. Pete Pier Aquarium for Book Nook. Nancy has written a book about Katrina and her trip to the aquarium called "Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage".
Nancy will read excerpts and Katrina will answer questions.
Book Nook by the Bay is from 10:30 a.m. until noon.