Câmara of Vereadores of Rio of Janeiro confirmed, on Monday night, the activation of the brain death protocol of former councilor Luciana Novaes. Aos 42 years old, the parliamentarian leaves a legacy of almost 200 laws aimed at the inclusion and defense of people with disabilities. Sua’s political trajectory began after surviving an episode that completely transformed his life.
In 2003, at the age of 19, Luciana was hit by a stray bullet while studying at Sá’s Universidade Estácio campus at Rio Comprido. The impact left her quadriplegic and dependent on mechanical ventilation. Doctors at the time gave only a 1% chance of survival. Ela surprised everyone.
From stray bullet to historic mandate
Após the accident, Luciana completely rebuilt his life. Formou turned into Serviço Social and completed post-graduation in Gestão Governamental. Sua determination led her to contest elections and win two terms as councilor of the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
In 2016, she was elected for the first time. Naquela legislature, passed more laws than any other councilor and carried out more than 150 inspections. In 2020, without being able to campaign on the streets for being part of the risk group during the Covid-19 pandemic, he obtained 16 thousand votes and became the first substitute. Retornou to Câmara in 2023 following the departure of Tainá from Paula.
Candidata the deputy and defense of the vulnerable
Sua’s performance on the council paved the way for new political ambitions. In 2022, she ran for federal deputy for the PT and received more than 31 thousand votes, becoming the party’s second most voted woman in the state. Apesar from the expressive vote, was second substitute at the time.
The laws passed by Luciana have always reflected his personal story. Ela prioritized public policies to:
- Pessoas with disability and rehabilitation
- Proteção and senior rights
- Populações in a situation of social vulnerability
- Inclusão and accessibility in the city
- Apoio to patients with sequelae of violence
Reconhecimento and permanent legacy
The president of Câmara, Carlo Caiado, released a note of condolence highlighting that Luciana “transformed his own pain into purpose.” The document highlights that his performance was marked by a “firm voice” and “generous listening” that made a difference in the lives of thousands of Rio residents.
Luciana participated in lives alongside health professionals, sharing their life experience and knowledge about inclusion policies. Sua training in Serviço Social and specialization in Gestão Pública guided his daily work at the council.
Câmara stated in its official statement that the former councilor was more than an active parliamentarian — she was a symbol of perseverance and overcoming. Sua history has shown that limits do not define destinies when there is a desire to transform the world around. Rio of Janeiro loses a great woman, but her legacy remains alive in the memory of the city and in the hearts of everyone who was touched by her trajectory.