Ľudmila Habodász

How did it start? Quite ordinarily—with shoulder pain. Probably none of you would think that behind such pain there could be an incurable autoimmune diagnosis, one that begins to steal your energy, strength, and dignity. Because when you have “your” condition, you might look as if you’re coming back with a hangover from a wild night out.

Suddenly, there are many things you shouldn’t do—anything involving balance, for example. Gradually, you no longer dare to ride a bike or go skating, and you become afraid of skiing. This was not how I wanted to end up. So I started doing sports, especially ones where I could try those “forbidden” activities—provoking my brain and showing it who’s in charge. I started skiing, bought inline skates, and began training. It was quite challenging, but I learned another skill—how to fall in a way that hurts as little as possible.

And once I knew how to ski and skate, an opportunity came to try cars.

I have always liked speed, but I had no idea how difficult it is to keep a car on track. My first drive and first corner almost ended off the track, but I am not someone who gives up at the first obstacle. And so today, I already have tracks behind me here at home, as well as in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria. I enjoy it, and I keep my body in a state where, even if it doesn’t feel like it, it simply has to. That’s why my photo in a racing suit and helmet best captures who I am and what I do.

I am not someone who gives up easily. I am determined and stubborn, and all of that was amplified by a diagnosis that arrived so quietly. But today, my diagnosis has grown up—it will celebrate its 18th anniversary this year, and we have learned, more or less, how to get along together. Sometimes it causes me trouble, sometimes I push back, and that’s how we manage. Because whatever illness you have, you must not give up. It is always worth standing up for yourself and showing that you are not easily...