Kati’s determination together with her positive and resilient attitude have not only helped her to live life to the fullest but is also empowering others to thrive against the odds. Kati had a stroke at the age of twenty which left her 95% paralyzed. She could only move her eyes and communicates with a letter chart. She is a blogger at Huffington Post and her autobiography “Living Underwater” takes readers on a journey of love, hope and facing adversities. She serves as a board member of The Cogain Association (Communication by Gaze Interaction) and was awarded ´The young achiever of the year 2014” by the Junior Chamber of Commerce International Finland.

You are multi-talented - “author, blogger, inspirational speaker and model”? Which talent defines you the best?K: I would say that blogging defines me the best because, in my blogs, I can choose my own themes and express my thoughts freely. Although what I like the best is modeling and giving presentations, these are the two things that provide the most stress. I love being with people and especially meeting new people. However, since I have been locked-in, I have developed a horrible fear of heights, and being on stage is terrifying to me.

What is your most memorable work so far and why?K: My most memorable moment was when I got married. Because after I became entirely paralyzed, I thought that I would never find love or get married. I was most proud of when I got on stage in front of a big public for the first time since I have had Locked-in syndrome because I managed to control my fear of heights and face the fear of being in the spotlight as a person with quadriplegia.

What is the idea behind your book "Living Underwater"? Who should read this book?K: The main idea behind all that I do, and my autobiography is to show that no matter what the circumstances, you still can thrive and live a beautiful life. People tend to think that those who have any disabilities cannot be a useful part of society. And that they live a sad and pitiful life. With my story, I want to open people’s eyes that neither of these beliefs is dependable by showing that even someone who cannot move nor speak can reach unimaginable heights.
This book is not for someone who wants to only read about the negative sides of being Locked-in or disabled. The book is for anybody interested in learning over the triumph of the human spirit over horrifying circumstances. Even though it can be a heartbreaking story, it has positivism, an element of romance, and a genuinely happy ending.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?K: I am not a superhuman. I do get upset, emotional, and disappointed when confronted with obstacles. And when this happens, I let it all out. The reason that I am paralyzed is not that my muscles do not work. It is just that the messages from my brain to my muscles do not go through so I can make them move.
So, when I get distraught, my body reacts by itself, and it stretches out, and I cry out loud. This takes a couple of minutes, but once it is over, I feel much better physically, mentally, even spiritually. And I immediately feel stronger and ready to take on the challenge.
There are so many things, but the number one item is ‘LOVE,’ my husband, my dogs, family, and friends (not just close friends but also online friends that I never met before.)
I can categorize the rest of the things under dreams (such as traveling and meeting new people) that I still want to make come true. And challenges (opening people’s eyes to the abilities of the less abled and creating an all accessible world) that I still want to take. I have enough stuff on my mind to keep me moving forward

What are your other hobbies?K: I like listening to music, reading, keeping a journal, traveling, and interior design.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?K: I like visiting old historical cities (even though some are hard to get around in a wheelchair.) I also like visiting parks, gardens and go to the beach.
I like the architectural features of old cities. I love nature (plants, flowers, etc.), that is why I like parks and gardens. And I love the view of the sea, the warmth of the sun on my face while listening to the sounds of the waves.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?K: I would recommend all parents to take children out as much as possible. Let them get to know the world and more importantly let the world to get to know them. Do this so they can experience life as it is. Show them the real world so they can see and feel all the beauty that surrounds us. Get them in touch with nature, but most importantly, let them socialize with others. And, I do not mean other people with disabilities but with all kinds of people. The only way to get rid of prejudice is by letting people see that disability is not something to fear or reject

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in modeling?K: The first word that comes to mind is ‘RESILIENCY.’ To be resilient is most important while being a model, no matter if you are fully able or less abled. As a model, you are always being judged, and you just cannot let criticism get to you. Modeling is hard and sometimes stressful work. To be able to do it, you always must be in good condition, physically as best as you can, but also mentally. The modeling world is harsh. So be well prepared mentally both on the professional on a personal level.

Any special message for our community?K: No matter what your disability, maybe there is always something that you can do to make your life and yourself (as a person) better. It is a matter of perspective. You can look at the negative and based all your experiences on this, or you can focus on the positive and live an incredible life. A powerful hero is living within you. Your soul has the strength to fight the fiercest battles. And your spirit has the wings to soar way up high. You can make a difference if you give yourself the chance to do so.