At 17 years old, the Woodrow Wilson High School senior is writing her own legacy built on self-love, resilience, and the power of voice.
Born with CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting vision, hearing, and growth, Delila faced more
challenges than most experience in a lifetime. Instead of allowing those obstacles to define her, Delila is rewriting her story and using her journey to amplify the voices of those who feel different because of their disabilities.
From an early age, Delila struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin. She is partially blind and was deaf for many years before receiving a BAHA implant, which helped her better connect with the world around her.
“It was so hard to understand what’s going on in the world when I’m completely deaf. Most of the time, I was embarrassed to open up,” said Delila. “I used to be really quiet and insecure, but over time, I learned to love myself and to show others that they can too.”
In high school, Delila found herself reflecting on the earlier years of her life, which she mainly spent in hospitals and undergoing surgeries. She thought about all the moments she missed, like a school father-daughter dance, but she also held onto the good memories—the friendships, the laughter, and the small victories.
Those reflections inspired Delila to put her story into words—words that would become her first book, “In CHARGE of My Life.” Her book was born out of a desire to help those with disabilities navigate their own struggles, with the help of her former teacher Crystal Sapier, who transcribed Delila’s story from American Sign Language into English.
“It’s been amazing to watch her spirit and her influence on other students. She’s showing others that they can stand up, be confident, and embrace who they are,” Sapier said.
The book details her childhood, the medical challenges she endured, and the emotional toll of missing out on milestones. Through her words and advocacy, Delila is creating a space where others can feel seen, heard, and empowered to embrace who they are.
“I want others to know they’re not alone,” she said. “It’s okay to struggle, but don’t give up. You can do anything you set your mind to.”
Now, as she prepares to graduate from Woodrow with hopes of attending the University of North Texas to study journalism and business, Delila is working on publishing her second book.
Her story is more than just perseverance. It’s the beginning of a legacy rooted in courage, compassion, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard. With every page she writes and every heart she touches, Delila continues to prove that she is not only in charge of her life—she’s empowering others to take charge of theirs, too.
