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Tequesta woman heading to 2016 Paralympics

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A Tequesta woman is heading to Rio representing the United States in the 2016 Paralympics.

Jacqui Kapinowski earned a spot on the rowing team. Her friends threw her a party in Stuart Sunday evening.

Kapinowski had bacterial meningitis at the age of 23 and again at 28. Then at age 35 muscle spasms and stiffness among other symptoms left her in a wheelchair.

She didn't let that faze her deciding to compete in marathons and even competing on the US curling team in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Now she's heading to Rio and she couldn't be more excited.

"It's going to be amazing. I watched the Olympics, it looks like everything was really great over there and just looking forward to meeting everyone and just having fun," says Kapinowski.

The opening ceremonies are September 7th. Jacqui's first race will be on September 9th.