“Learn to grow wings – each of us is born to fly!”

Marinela Drop was born in Bucharest, Romania, on a cold winter day. She enjoyed the simple joys of childhood — playing, laughing, and dreaming — even though she was never able to walk. Both she and her brother were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, a degenerative neuromuscular condition for which no treatment existed at the time. She was home-schooled, supported by teachers and classmates who visited periodically to assess her progress. From an early age, she developed a profound passion for the Romanian and English languages, as well as for music, spending her time between reading, writing, and immersing herself in the sounds that inspired her.

A dedicated autodidact, she learned on her own everything that sparked her curiosity, driven by a desire to understand the world more deeply. Later on, she became the leader of the fan club of one of Romania’s most beloved artists, Gabriel Cotabiță — an experience that broadened her horizons and strengthened her confidence.

In 2008, her life entered a new chapter when she chose, out of love, to build her life in another country. Many years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered writing as a form of freedom and self-expression.

Her first book, Dacă nu poți să mergi, încearcă să zbori, tells the story of her life in Romania and was published in 2022 by the Romanian publishing house Cărțile Tango. The book is dedicated to all those who wake up in the morning without hope, without the strength to move forward, and without being able to discover what life still has to offer. It was translated into English by Mihaela Burda and published in 2023 under the title If You Can’t Walk, Try Flying by ePublishers, together with the revised Romanian edition.

In 2025, she published her second book, ZBORURI, also with the same publishing house. While her first book captures her life in Romania, ZBORURI continues her story in the Netherlands, the country that has become her home. The English translation of this second volume is scheduled for release later this year.

Marinela loves the sea and the sun, writing, music, spending time with friends, watching movies and cooking shows, and caring for her beloved cats, Iuby and Sara. She loves life.

Her message to readers remains:
“Learn to grow wings — each of us is born to fly.”