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Nothing stops me ! I'm Jeremy, a six year old boy from Joshua, Texas. I was born with a rare spinal disorder called Sacral Agenesis/ Caudal Regression Syndrome. The spine bluntly stops at the L-4 vertebrae which causes a lot of nerves in the lower body to never develop. I was not supposed to be capable of much from what was said at birth. BUT I CAN ! I crawled, climbed and learned to walk and run. I just do it my own way. I love WCMX, adaptive water skiing, baseball, Monster Jam trucks, and roller coasters (the bigger the better) Nothing has ever stopped me from doing what I want and I have been "allowed" to try things a lot of parents, especially special needs parents would be scared of. Mom thinks that's why I CAN do the things I can and says I'm Limitless and I Never Stop. Quitting or saying can't is not part of our vocabulary. I love to go places and show others that being a kid with braces on my legs that uses a wheelchair are happy and fun. Sharing awareness and getting acceptance every skatepark I hit. Now to get a chair made for it. 😎

Reflection Last week, I turned 57 years of age. With retirement now less than 27 months away, there is an opportunity to reflect on what has occurred to this point in my life. This reflection necessarily includes a determination as to how I have coped with living as a person with a physical disability. Surprisingly, as time has gone on, the concern of what was once a very uncertain future has diminished significantly, likely in part due to the process we all go through, to define ourselves and our normal state of being. I believe this process is to a large extent based upon two words which defined my past and likely has significant application to all persons with cerebral palsy. Those words are acceptance and adaptation. Childhood As a very young child, it never dawned on me that I was in any way different. I suppose that at the age of five, I thought all the other five-year-olds were doing as I was, going daily by Easter Seals bus to GF Strong for treatment and to attend kindergarten. The two years I attended school at GF Strong was my normal, which obviously became a different normal, when I entered the public school system. As would soon become apparent to me, what I thought was normal was somewhat different in the world of public school, given that I was the only disabled child in the school. This was one of my first experiences with the two words adaption and acceptance, both for myself and for those who I met. One has to remember that in the mid-1960s, integration of disabled children into our public schools was not anywhere near the extent that it now is. In fact, to some extent, integration was still frowned upon and the idea of institutionalization of those who were different remained the norm. I guess, to an extent, I was one of the trail blazers on this particular issue. Adapting to my ‘new normal’ in public school meant that I had to understand that the great majority of children would see me as one of them, as long as I did my part and treated them with the respect which I was hoping for. There would always be the stares and the odd comment, which is often the response of others witnessing a difference in their environment and it is often the response toward any person who is in any way different. This would have to be accepted by me for the rest of my life, which was initially easier said than done but soon became apparent that this will be part of my challenge to rise above it all. Again, acceptance and adaptation. Fortunately, there was more than enough support and acceptance to keep my head up and soldier on. It also became clear that I had to adapt somewhat to this reality and there was somewhat of an obligation on me to educate the other children on what my disability was and what it was not. It was not something that they needed to be afraid of nor would they catch anything simply by hanging out with me. It was simply something that happened at birth, that’s the way it was, like it or not. The hand you’re dealt This perspective was one that I maintained all my life, one that aligns with the idea that we are dealt a certain hand in this poker game called life and that you either played your hand or you folded. However, those that tend to fold tend not to enjoy the highs and lows of the journey through the game called life. Thus, I grew up with the view that I could either “fold”, or I could discover the value of the cards I held and adapt to my reality, regardless of what I may not be able to do. It soon became apparent that there were plenty of goals I could achieve. Part of the exercise was identifying what were those goals which would push me to achieve new limits physically and mentally. It was also a challenge to identify the fear involved in pursuing the challenges and eradicate such fear to the best of my ability. It is this honest effort and approach which fortunately won me acceptance among my peers, particularly as I grew older. It became my obligation to do all I could to ensure people around me were comfortable with my disability, understood what I was all about and what I should be held accountable for. A roller coaster The roller coaster of living with a disability mirrors the highs and lows of the life cycle of a young child, adolescent, young adult and aging adult. The difference for me was to try to incorporate whatever challenges my disability brought into the challenges which life itself brings and to try to accept those challenges in the best way possible. To me, the ability to get the most out of life meant I required acceptance, both myself for my disability, and from the world for who I was. Acceptance and adaptation are two major aspects of travelling the journey with the disability. However, the achievement of these concepts require a considerable role on my part, which in turn requires me to identify and accept the process which I needed to pursue. Acceptance and adaptation are not concepts which naturally flow directly to anyone, unless there are positive steps taken by the individual to allow these concepts to occur. In the world of a disabled person, it is undoubtedly more of a struggle to identify and accept the processes which we have to undergo to get to the point of achieving purpose and success; however, it is an essential exercise that we all must go through. Potential It is an interesting journey for me, particularly with respect to being a single person as a young adult, a married man, a father of a daughter and a professional for almost 30 years. All of these roles have their demands, which I’ve had to fit into my normalcy of being a disabled person. That requires a certain amount of adjustment, compromise and knowledge with respect to what I can and cannot do physically, particularly as I age. This is a process which everybody goes through, regardless of ability or disability. It is perhaps a reflection of the perseverance and the capabilities of the disabled person to go through what is undoubtedly a difficult process for many people, with the additional challenges of their disability and yet still endure and in many cases, succeed and excel. The examples of this are numerous throughout the disabled community and speak volumes to the potential which is inherent within us all, regardless of ability or disability. First Published on worldcpday.org Date: 7 Oct 2016 Category: Quality of Life Author: Robyn Cummins

Why run? I like to run because it is a good form of exercise and I enjoy being outdoors. I run frequently which is three to four times a week and longer runs on the weekends especially if I am training for an event. I ran because I had never participated in a half marathon before and thought, why not run? It is something I enjoy doing and why not do it to really push your limits. I ran three to four times a week with some of those sessions being with the Running Room. In addition, I participated in a running clinic which was every Tuesday where each session focused on an aspect of training and then we’d go for a short run. Just like being part of the cerebral palsy (CP) community, you are part of an extended family with your running group. A goal It is good to have people there who are working towards the same goal and there to motivate you to achieve a great time in the race not just finish it. Although my cerebral palsy affects the left side of my body impacting my left hand and leg, that doesn’t affect me from being able to run and run quick. My time for my first half marathon (the Scotiabank Charity Challenge) was 2:09 and for my age category it was in the lower section of finishers, but that just means I need to run faster this year to improve my time and train harder. Despite the goal of trying to improve my time, I didn’t participate in the half marathon this year due to a strained Achilles tendon injury; instead I walked the 5 km course while raising money for cerebral palsy. I think that it shows people regardless of the severity of your CP, you can achieve anything. I can drive, run a half marathon and despite the fact that I have never been in a relationship; it gives me hope that others like me such as RJ Mitte and Nicholas Hamilton have girlfriends so why can’t I. I would like to have a wife, family, house and be able to provide for my family by having a well-paying job. I am certainly on the right path. Discovering your strengths Another community I am a part of is the disability community. I work at the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia. I like working at the Association since it is giving back to the disability community and it is showcasing people’s abilities with CP that can really open others’ minds and demonstrate what they are capable of. Everyone with CP has strengths; it is just about unlocking that potential. The Association has helped me tremendously since it’s provided an outlet for me to express myself. This World CP Day, I want to share my story to inspire others to enjoy their quality of life, join communities and use their voice to be part of a change and greater awareness. I want to keep participating in running a Half Marathon and aim to run in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge next spring. I want to start running and training early and take extra work to hit my goal of 1:50. Getting back into the rhythm of running will be tough, but I am up for the challenge. Do the best with what you have, keep a positive attitude and a smile on your face. Published first on worldcpday.org Date: 27 Sep 2016 Category: Quality of Life Author: Robyn Cummins

Thankful for Life Hi I am Michael. I'm a disabled veteran and for a long time I was depressed and lonely, feeling useless. But by God's grace I got into hand cycling and haven't looked back. It lead me to an environment of new possibilities and challenges I take on with a smile. I have meet some amazing people along the way and for that, I am thankful. Life isn't perfect but you have to choose who you want to be and never doubt yourself.

The Genesis of Non Stop Growth and Personal Evolution My name is Brandon Ryan, I am 32 years old, and I have been living with cerebral palsy all my life. Being that I was born at such a low birth weight, there was damage to the center ventricle of my brain. Doctors told my parents that my chances of survival were grim and if I did survive, then I would never be able to do everyday things on my own. Thankfully, both my parents and the majority of my family are very stubborn. My mother would always tell me how she would walk to the hospital to make sure I was fed at night. While my father woke in the early hours of the morning to serve his country, my mom rose to make sure that both my sister and I were provided for. My father started me out in martial arts at a very early age. That and weight lifting. Those two areas of my life would quickly serve as outlets in my life and propel me to where I am now. Not only have I lived with cerebral palsy my whole life, but I have grappled with both depression and anxiety. My mission in life is simply to bring hope, love, and joy to others through martial arts, self-defense, fitness and being able to encourage others in any way possible. I am the founder and owner of Adaptive Defense Methods, which is dedicated to teaching functional self-defense to people with adaptive and non-adaptive needs. Through A.D.M. my team and I have been able to work with adaptive CrossFit athletes, retired and active military members and high profile companies such as LinkedIn. When I am not teaching, I am either training in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, working on book projects or working with my coach at Crossfit Omaha. I've been an adaptive Crossfit Athlete for over three years and have been an aspiration for myself and the sport. Adaptive Defense Methods To check out Adaptive Defense Methods, please visit our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/adaptivedefensemethods/ Or follow me on my personal page: https://www.facebook.com/Brandontheadaptiveone

CREATING THE PERFECT LIFE... Hellooooooo to Everyone Out There in the YOOOCAN World, Please allow me to introduce myself... I'm Angela Rockwood and I'm currently living in the City of Angels but I have experienced the world growing up as the child of a career military man of the Air Force. I began modeling at the age of 17 to save up for medical school. Before I turned 21 I left the modeling world, becoming a fitness instructor, which later led me into the world of martial arts. At 22 I relocated to Los Angeles, and within a year was engaged to my best friend. We bought a house and I fell back into the entertainment world signing a contract with a modeling agency and launching an acting career, with small roles in ''The Fast and the Furious'' and the T.V. show ''V.I.P.'' with Pamela Anderson. A ''PREMONITION'' BECOMES REALITY... My life was practically perfect until turmoil struck one week before 9/11 on September 3, 2001. I was returning home from a trip in San Francisco of planning my wedding with two of my bridesmaids when my girlfriend spun out of control. I was in the backseat and was thrown 30 ft. out of the side-rear triangular window landing on the side of the road. (At the age of 17, I remember having a premonition I would be involved in a horrific car accident.) When I awoke in the hospital, I looked up at the ceiling and it felt like ''De-ja-vu'', as if I had been there before. The first thought that came to my mind, ''I was ALIVE.'' The second thought, ''I KNEW it was for a REASON and I had a new mission to fulfill within my life.'' In fact, I had a clear picture of what was in store that I asked my father to sit by my bedside to write word for word my vision and I can tell you I'm living it till this day. PICKING A POSITIVE PATH... When the Dr. came to me, my x-husband and my dad he told us I had 3 to 5% of feeling or moving from the neck down and I was classified as a C-4 Quadriplegic. I was now transported into the realm of the paralyzed, but it didn't hinder my indomitable spirit because I was grateful to be Alive. Instantly I knew I had to make a decision, to either go down a negative path or to take a catastrophic position and turn it around in the most profound and positive way. I felt I could be a powerful voice and advocate for those in similar situations. I did exactly that by picking up my life, pushing forward towards my vision and never looking back. Two months after being in the rehab facility, Entertainment Tonight did a segment on me about the ''Power of the Mind''. Finding ''Balance'' in A Paralyzed Vessel... Before my injury I was an athlete, runner, martial artist, an all around adrenaline junkie who loved racing motorcycles and a firm believer in alternative methods of healing that I didn’t accept my doctor’s prognosis. I understood the importance of mind, body and spirit being in harmony to execute a productive balanced life. The first 3 years of my paralysis, I did anything and everything to ''reconnect'' with my new vessel on a physical level. Paralyzed from the neck down, unable to move like before I was able to lose 65pds. through changing my eating habits and speeding my metabolism up. In 2003, I was the third American to undergo a pioneering stem cell surgery in Portugal, which allowed me to go from a power chair into a manual wheelchair. Although I'm unable to move my fingers fully, I can feed myself, paint, train in martial arts and apply my own makeup. ''If You Can't Stand Up, you betta Stand Out!'' In 2004, I decided to merge myself into the community and back into the real world. I became a proud Ambassador of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation representing and assisting in their outreach program. Unbeknownst to me, I didn't realize you can be in a wheelchair and still be in the entertainment world as a P.W.D. (Performers with Disabilities). I decided to energize my career becoming a spokes model for Ti-Lite Wheelchairs and modeling for companies such as Target, Nordstrom and Toyota. I was the first Quadriplegic to land a national campaign for Nordstrom that went viral on the internet. Later I landed three national commercials for AARP, Mabelline, and Sony. I was also featured in CinemAbility, a documentary directed by Jenni Gold, which includes Ben Affleck, Jaime Foxx, and Jane Seymour. After 7 years of sitting around for wheelchair roles to roll in my tenacious attitude and purposeful personality was NOT going to let me stop. With my ultimate mission of pushing boundaries, I created, produced and starred in the Sundance Channel's, ‘’Critic’s Choice Awards’’, Best Reality series ''Push Girls''. It was to convey, that no matter what catastrophic event happens in life, ''You Can Push through IT & LIVE to the Fullest.'' The exposure of Push Girls gave me the opportunity to share my message with tv appearances on Ellen, Jeff Probst Show, Marie Osmond, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, Good Day LA, Extra, Huffington Post Live, Kcal 9, Katie Couric Show, Good Morning America, and a return segment on Entertainment Tonight with my girls. We even had an appearance at The White House! That Powerful ''Essence'' from Within I continue to fulfill my post-accident vision by sharing my own experience with hopes of creating a change within others that reignites the human will as a Life Coach and Speaker. I'm passionately relentless in manifesting change and implementing ideas through my teaching in my ''Manifestation Classes''. I have taught my classes at the Joey Travolta Theatre and the Performing Arts Studio West through Meet the Biz Workshops. As an innovator I've successfully spoken about '‘Living to the Fullest’' at Rancho Amigos Hospital, L.A. Rescue Mission Assembly, and Edwards Air Force Base. I've shared my secrets of ‘'The Beauty from Within'’ for the Miss Global Organization of 2013 & 2014. A group of 4,000 Paul Mitchell students in Las Vegas, and the California Association of Realtors were the recipients of a topic close to my heart; ‘'Pushing the Limits'’. I'm an Ambassador and one of the board members of a sensational organization called Global Mobility bringing wheelchairs all over the world to third world countries. Most recently I was chosen by Brig Gen. Michael Brewer of the 412th Test Wing Commander to be the 2015 & 2016 Honorary Commander for Edwards Air Force Base and spoke about ''RESILIENCE'' to the military base. ''Don't just Sit there, Be A #RollingEmpire!'' Today I'm engaged to my soul partner Steven Profeta and live with my lil' baby Yorkie Kenzo until we decide to have children in a year or two. I have recently began modeling since I took a break 4 years ago while shooting ''Push Girls'' because the media needs to realize that beauty comes in ALL shapes, sizes, color, age and in EVERY vessel. WE are the consumers and it's important we #RebrandDisability in a powerful way. I'm also working on a clothing line that will launch next year. In the meantime, I'm producing different projects, acting, speaking, and having fun with my YOUTUBE channel, ''The #RollingEmpire'' (https://www.youtube.com/user/angelarockwood) because like a bulldozer YOOCAN roll over ANY obstacle while Building your Empire! I share all of this not to Impress but to Impact Others that regardless of any circumstances, obstacles or issues in life, ''YOOCAN Push Limits!'' For me who is paralyzed from the neck down, ''Where there is A Wheel, THERE IS A Way!'' ''I am inspired by my grand purpose, deep within my core I carry this mantra daily: "Life is a Gift and what we do with our Life is our Gift back to the World, to Others, and to Ourselves." YOOOCAN DO ANYTHING that YOU BELIEVE IN... Let NOTHING Stop You. ''BE UNSTOPPABLE NO MATTER WHAT!'' Peace & Compassion, Angela www.AngelaRockwood.com

Helping Others I was involved in an automobile accident on January 19, 2015 that left me paralyzed as a quadriplegic. After my injury, I was looking for ways to do things the new way, but couldn't find very much. So I decided to make my own YouTube channel to try and help others with the same injury as myself. I have been doing videos for about five months and almost have 500 Subscribers on YouTube. It may sound weird, but I enjoy life way more now than I ever did before my injury.

I know that there is so much more to come and so much more to be done. I want to inspire others i want someone to look at me, and say because of you i didnt give up! June 5th 2013 the Day God Blessed me with a new life! I believe in myself, I believe deep down in me. I have the mindset, and always will that I can accomplish and succeed at anything I set my mind to. No matter what the situation is, I'll always come out on top pushing forward and succeeding in anything I set my mind to. I guarantee and promise you that I will never give up because I have already come so far in three short years. I was told that I wouldn't make it or live through my accident. I started out paralyzed from the neck down, and now only from the chest. I strengthen myself to be able to operate and use my manual chair over my power chair. I live on my own. I have completed 1 year in college with a 3.5 GPA. I know that there is so much more to come and so much more to be done. I've come so far there's nothing that can stop or get in my way to slow me down from accomplishing all my goals that i set. Living up to my absolute full potential and nothing less of always giving my absolute all into everything i do. Standards and expectations set to make me reach and exceed to higher heights and achieving all that i may desire. With my faith and life in Gods Palms nothing can get in my way following his will. This is only the very beginning and start to something i can't completely imagine and fathom.

Helping Children Embrace Their Unique Differences I was born without a right hand. As strange as this may sound, that is my favorite thing about myself. If I had two hands, it would be easier to tie my shoes. I could carry all of my dishes to the sink without everyone worrying that I might drop them. I could actually make an audible sound when I clapped, and I'd be able to aim and shoot at the same time when playing video games with my friends. If I had two hands, my life would be a lot different. If I had two hands, I couldn't make hilarious one-hand puns or jokes. I wouldn't be as innovative in my daily life, or with my hobbies. I wouldn't be as open-minded, outgoing, or empathetic as I am. And if I had two hands, I wouldn't have become a published children's author at 22 years old. I wrote my first book, Uniquely Me, with the hope that I could help not only children with disabilities, but any child who worries about being different. I told myself that if I could help even one child overcome some of the struggles I faced when I was younger, my goal would be met. Now, a year and a half later, my second book is currently being illustrated and over 1,000 copies of Uniquely Me have been sold. I write books to help children understand, accept, and love their unique differences. I believe that everyone deserves to know that those differences can be their greatest blessing. You never know, someday they may smile and say, "As strange as this may sound, that is my favorite thing about myself."

About me My Name is Natalia, and I am 27 years old. I live in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. In September 2013 I had a spinal cord attack which paralyzed me since Th5 level. Of course since that my life plans have changed. However, I'm an optimist and even since I am in a wheelchair, I try to do my best to live an active life. In September 2016, I won a beauty contest for women in wheelchairs. Since that I understood that I need to help people in difficult situation. I starting working with children and now I'm a volunteer in orphanages. I show children that beauty in inside us and as I like to say "all borders are in our mind". I do wheelchair dancing and one of my passion now is blogging - via my Onstagram I show people that a wheelchair is only a vehicle and it's not a reason to sit at home. In Russia we have a huge problem with disabled friendly environment and one of my duties nowadays is to show the government these mistakes and make the environment more friendly - who if not us? I work as an ecologist and try to spend vacations traveling- this is something that I like so much. One of my passions is modeling and my goal to be a famous wheelchair model. Most importantly, I do rehabilitation and keep hope that one day I will walk again.

Everyone can't wait to see what I dress as for Haloween It all started when I was 3 and for Halloween I was going as Batman. My dad wanted to make my costume a little extra special and added some poster board to turned my walker into the Batmobile, with working headlights! At our church's Trunk-or-Treat, everyone loved it! The next year, I had a wheelchair and went as Darth Vader in a Tie Fighter. Each year after that, we tried to think of bigger and better costumes: Jake & the Neverland Pirates in a Pirate Ship, Mickey Mouse in the Main Street Electrical Parade float, Captain America on his motorcycle. Last year, we did a snowspeeder from Star Wars with working flaps and guns that shot glowing darts. Luke Skywalker, actor Mark Hamill, saw it and said, "Incredible! You look more like me, than me!" The Ghostbusters Ecto-1 This year was another awesome costume. We asked our friends for ideas and they choose the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters! My parents worked on it for over a month! It was so exciting to see it as they built it. Each day it looked more and more like the real Ecto-1! When it was done, it had working lights, sirens and even played the Ghostbusters song! It was like I was sitting in the real thing! When people saw it online they shared it so much that I got invited to Sony Studios to see the real Ecto-1 from the original movie and the new movie. Bringing Smiles My costumes have been the highlight of my year. I love how I feel like I AM the characters from my costumes. It's been fun to show them off to my friends. It's fun to see their reactions and their smiles. I got the chance to share my costume with some of the patients at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego at their Halloween party and it was awesome to bring smiles to their faces. My costumes are very special to me and I love my dad for making them for me. My dad has even helped other friends with costumes for their wheelchairs. Halloween is awesome because it's one of the times having wheels has it's perks! About Jeremy Jeremy was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalis. He participates in wheelchair basketball, soccer and rugby. He's played baseball at Angel's Stadium, he's been to the skate park and he's gone surfing with Life Rolls On. He loves everything super hero, Star Wars, Ghostbusters and Lego! He has an older sister and a younger brother, and he's best buds with both. He can be shy at first, but once he opens up, he's a nut!

Life goes on, it doesn't stop or wait for anyone! My name is Conner Millan. I was born on July 24th, 1993, with Spina Bifida. I grew up in northeast Florida, started scooting around, sitting on my skateboard at 8 years old until a kid in my neighborhood skated by and asked why I didn't stand up and skate. Ever since then, I've been skateboarding standing up. I moved to the west coast and I am currently living in a van, but it's kinda nice. I skate a little bit of everything. Mostly street, some transition, and some downhill. I recently recovered from a left leg BK amputation. My last run in Venice, I took a bad fall and tore open a callous on my foot, developed an infection, and they had to amputate. People say I'm an inspiration, but I'm just someone living life with what I was given. If I can change someones perspective on life, I feel like I'm doing some good. Life goes on, it doesn't stop or wait for anyone! As a good friend says, "shred the gnar or the gnar will shred you"!