When I was first diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari malformation -- a brain disorder involving structural defects -- I was shocked . After learning more about it , and then after successful surgery in 2011 , I realized that I could emerge a stronger person , both mentally and physically . Today I am able to continue to compete at the highest level in the sport of luge and continue to live life to the fullest . I remain committed to my sport as well as to sharing my story about overcoming challenges . During my surgery , and in times of adversity , the most important thing for me has been the support of my awesome family and friends . I had a new outlook on the sport when I returned to competition in 2012 . While I knew my ACM was never going to be gone completely , I was healthier than I had ever been and ready to see what I could do as an athlete , free of my symptoms . I never wanted to use my ACM as an excuse not to do something , and I am thankful to my medical team for encouraging and supporting me to continue my athletic endeavors . In my first season back , I had my best results ever . I won my first national title , scored eight top-10 finishes in the World Cup -- including my first-ever silver medal in front of a home crowd in Lake Placid , New York . I also achieved a personal best , placing sixth in the overall World Cup rankings . I refuse to let my ACM define or limit me as a person . From the very first day I was diagnosed , I decided that I was going to recover from this and I set to work making a plan on how I was going to do it . In addition to recovering physically , I am extremely proud of the work I have done in my home state of Maine by reaching out to youth on an emotional level , educating them about my personal challenges and encouraging them to go after their dreams . Since 2010 , I 've been the spokeswoman for the Maine Beer & Wine Distributors Association . During the past four years , I 've been reaching out to Maine high school students . My presentations are 20 minutes long , and include a video and my personal story of overcoming challenges , including my neck surgery and the passing of my father and sister , as well as the athletic challenges I have faced in my life . I also share with them the importance of individual responsibility and good decision-making . As part of my work with the MBWDA , I have been to 34 high schools in Maine and reached more than 9,000 students . My goal is to reach as many as 10,000 students in the next few months , and perhaps develop the MBWDA responsibility initiative into a national model . Some of the most rewarding experiences of my life have come from my work to inspire young people . This is one of the biggest reasons that I am proud to host Julia Clukey 's Camp for Girls each summer . The camp is designed for young girls ages 8 to 11 as a place to develop self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle . I have been blessed with the opportunity to share my experiences with young girls and give them the strength and confidence to go after their dreams .
Julia Clukey was diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari malformation . She underwent successful surgery in 2011 . Clukey refused to let the disorder define or limit her .