IMCP

I Am Cerebral Palsy

You may not know what that means. Families confronting Cerebral Palsy deal with misinformation or misunderstanding because of CP’s wide-ranging effects and the overall the lack of public attention given to this condition. Someone with CP may simply walk with a limp, experience a speech impediment, or they may have limited use of an arm and hand. Cerebral Palsy is not a disease; CP is not contagious and there is presently no known cure. Instead, it is a condition that simply leads to a different life path than what you may think is ‘normal’ or ‘typical.’ Cerebral Palsy is not about limits, it’s about living on.

But just who or what is Cerebral Palsy?

I am a person who faced a traumatic birth and, as a result, I live with Cerebral Palsy. My condition is completely different than the next person with Cerebral Palsy – we are not all the same. Just because I have trouble walking does not mean I don’t understand what you say. Just because my arm is stiff and tight to my chest does not mean you need to speak louder. Just because I am in a wheelchair does not mean I can’t see you stare. I am a person who faced a birth injury but live every day, just like you, but with Cerebral Palsy.

I am a parent whose child lives every day with Cerebral Palsy. Something happened during my pregnancy, or during the delivery… or maybe even after my child was born that was out of my control. Or maybe I adopted a child whose mother was unable to care for me. Regardless, I am a parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy and I wake up every day facing challenges. I am not looking for your pity or a handout. I am not looking for anything more than your friendship. I am a person whose child suffered a birth injury but wake up every day loving my child, just like you. The difference is my child has Cerebral Palsy.

I am a family member or friend of a person touched by Cerebral Palsy. A person close to my heart faces an uphill challenge each day. They are not controlled by this diagnosis but, instead, living with it. I am not interested in gossiping or sharing stories. I am not worried about being seen in public with a child or family or adult or anyone that has CP. My life is enriched by seeing strength overcoming difficulty every day. I am proud to be an advocate – I am a person who is proud to know someone with Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy does not have a public face or telltale signs that identify it like other condition. It is, instead, many times a birth injury that leads to a different life experience than others. It is tiring, stressful, challenging and exhausting. But it can also be inspiring if you are lucky enough to witness it being overcome. Every day people work to limit the number of children who will face CP in the years to come, but that does not mean it’s something to be afraid of in the real world.

Cerebral Palsy is not contagious. It is not a disease.

Instead, it is something to be motivated and stirred by.