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The Moment I Knew "When Lindsay was talking to me, I noticed that half of her face was frozen," my friend explained to the doctor. My heart sank. I knew what this meant. But a part of me couldn't believe what I was hearing. I just experienced a stroke...later to find out that it was a Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or more known as a "mini-stroke". Here I was, a 19 year old college student with the world ahead of her. I was attending school at the University of Oregon and I had everything I could have ever dreamed of. I was in a sorority. I lived in the dorms, where I met most of my friends. I was beginning to navigate my college education. I attended football games and basketball games. I went on hikes and local coffee shops. I was in "college heaven". My congenital heart condition caught up with me that day. Hearing the doctors explain to me what may have caused the stroke and the steps I had to take from here was surreal. I was faced with decisions that no college student should ever have to. With the help of my family, I decided that the best first step was leaving college to head back home, to San Diego. Since I was in the middle of my spring semester, I had to "withdraw" from my classes. Leaving my transcript with "W" all over it. I felt defeated. How was I going to obtain my college degree in 4 years if I dropped out of my freshmen year of school? Stayed Focused This was a question I had to solve and solve quick. Once my health was managed, I enrolled at my local community college. I met with a guidance counselor right away to determine what classes I needed to take to transfer to a four-year university. She was being honest and told me it wasn't going to be easy. Since University of Oregon was on a quarter system and the community college was on a semester system, some of my credits didn't transfer. So not only did I have "w" on my transcript, I also lost credits. But she said, it was still possible. I just needed to jam pack my class schedule and take winter and summer courses. That is exactly what I did. I stayed focus on my goal and I completed all of the necessary coursework to transfer. In one year, I essential completed a year and a half of college. I obtained enough credits to transfer to a university and continue my education. And from there, I went on to obtain my bachelor of arts degree in communication. It took me three schools and only four years to complete my degree. Perseverance Nothing about my college experience was easy. From health setbacks to making up college credits, I was determined to persevere through my circumstance. Instead of staying defeated, I kept my eye on my goal. No matter what challenge came ahead of me those four years, I faced it head on. As I was nearing my final semester of college, the university opened up a commencement speaker application. Anyone who was graduating that year could apply. All they would need to do is submit a speech. If the university felt your speech was compelling, they brought you in for an interview where you had to present your commencement speech. I made it to the interview process and a couple weeks later, I received the call that I was chosen to give the 2010 college graduation commencement speech. It was an absolute honor and full circle moment for me on the day I gave my commencement speech. As I was congratulating the class of 2010, I reminded them of their persistence and perseverance that allowed them to accomplish their degree. I empowered them to continue on their journey with strength no matter the set back. When people ask me, "how did you have the strength to thrive after your stroke?". It is a simple answer. I didn't want my stroke to define me. Through perseverance, my stroke refined who I am for the better!

G,day from the USA Hi there, how you going? For those of you who don’t know me, here a quick rundown. My name is Matt De Gruchy, I’m 21 years of age and come from a small country town in Victoria, Australia. I work full time, love music, hiking, gym and hanging out with mates. There’s just one small difference between you and me. I’m legally blind!Age 9 I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, 12 years on I have lost over 90% of my vision where it sits now at roughly 6%. I could go on about my childhood and overcoming my disease, but that’s for another story. This story begins with me embarking on my life long dream to travel the United States of America! 36 hours of travel was worth the wait as we flew down towards the runway at JFK, we had made it!New York City , the place that never sleeps , and in many cases I didn’t want to sleep, It was breathtaking. Walking the streets was like taking on a marathon, the streets were so long. I was surprised to notice that crossing roads would be more of a challenge for me then they were back home. The traffic light pedestrian crossing were only recognisable by the light box on the other side of the street, unlike home, they are also sound activated . With the help of my friend Laura I soon got the hang of it New York had only just begun and that was when I was fortunate enough to meet with Bryan and Bradford from the Two Blind Brothers in SoHo, they are such great lads and are very inspiring, driven, and encouraging. We both share to same vision, to see a world one day where diseases like ours no longer leave people in the dark! I’m forever grateful for the time they gave me. Full days, plenty of steps and sore calves and lots of sights, my favourite being time square! flew by that week with topping it off seeing Bon Jovi in their home town New Jersey on our last night before hitting Las Vegas! Big nights of Casinos, cocktails, a spontaneous butt whip from two police girls... helicopter flights , high-roller big wheels, a Justin Timberlake Concert and walking the bright lights of the Strip brought us to Arizona, home of the Grand Canyon. Arriving at the south Rim didn’t disappoint, the surreal feeling of being somewhere you’ve dreamt of for so long, but has forever seemed so far away was right in sight! The immense size of it was staggering. We trekked 2 hours down 1000ft of the Canyon before looking up in horror knowing the way up would be torturous. It was so worth it, I felt proud to have finally conquered that life-long goal, and relieved once I made it back up to steady, solid ground . For many, just seeing the view from above would be enough, but it was very important to me to hike a portion of this landmark , and I wasn’t leaving until I had! Fast forward a couple days, a slightly smaller wallet and a quick flight over to California we arrived in San Francisco, home of the Golden Gate Bridge, the most colourful houses I’ve ever seen. Pier 39 and to the best Crape I’ve ever had, in fact my only Crape I’ve eaten. And of course Alcatraz, The rock has also been something I’ve wanted to visit since I was a little one. We did a nighttime tour of the island and surroundings and it’s was as eerie as it was compelling. Walking the corridors of the infamous penitentiary was hair-raising, seeing the bustling city from behind that bars made me wonder how frustrated the inmates must of felt, - so close, but so far away. We then traded the steep hills and cable carts for the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. The final leg of our Trip was full of thrills and movie magic as we visited Disneyland (a world of its own)Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studios, Amongst the sights of the Hollywood walk of fame, Beverly Hills, Rodeo drive. And of course a last minute Uber drive to the ‘A nightmare on Elm street’ house. Which in my opinion was worth the money and rush hour LA traffic, because that’s what I wanted to do, It was a childhood goal, and goals are allowed to be superficial at times I think. I snapped my photo of the famous Elm street and then it was almost time to say goodbye, for now to the USA. I could write for days on everything the America had to offer, and the experiences I will forever hold with me, but it goes without saying. Travel. It was a big thing for me, Idon’t know if I was more nervous or excited when planning this trip. I knew it would be different, challenging maybe. But I knew it was going to be the best experience of my life, and that I am grateful forOur Yoocan community and wide and open minded. I’m grateful to be able to share a snippet of my story, I can, you can, we can. Forever #Abilitynotdisability If you would like to follow my journey or read my other stories you can find me @ Mattdegruchy vision on Facebook & Instagram Thanks for the support! #Yoocan

Stop things from falling off your lap The GRIP™ Board is a rigid, non-slip multi-use pad, designed to be the ideal platform for transporting items such as heated foods, drinks, electronics, school/workplace materials, and other items used while performing ADLs. The GRIP™ Board fits comfortably on your lap for wheelchair transport, or can be carried in hand. The GRIP™ Board is essential to enhance independence.

כשאת לא אוהבת את עצמך "אני נוטה לחשוב בצורה שלילית על הכול. אני לא אוהבת את עצמי ככה, אבל לא יודעת מה לעשות". תלמידת תיכון ניגשה אלי כדי לחלוק את רגשותיה לאחר הרצאה שנתתי בבית ספר. היא כנראה זהירה מטבעה ונוטה לחשוב בזהירות רבה, ולא צריכה להרגיש רע בקשר לזה. בוודאי קשה לה, עם זאת, אם היא מרגישה אומללה עם מי שהיא ולא יכולה לאהוב את עצמה. אני יודעת שזה קשה כשאנחנו לא יכולים לאהוב את עצמנו וכשאין לנו השקפה חיובית על חיינו. When you don’t like yourself "I tend to think negatively about everything. I don’t like myself that way, but don’t know what to do.” A junior high school student came up to me to share her feelings after a lecture I gave at a school. She may be cautious by nature and tend to think very carefully, and she shouldn’t feel bad about that. It must be difficult, however, if she feels unhappy with the way she is and cannot like herself. I know it is hard when we cannot like ourselves and don't have a positive outlook on our lives. הגדרת מטרות קטנות הייתי בדיוק כמוה כשאושפזתי. איבדתי את היכולת ללכת ולא היה לי מושג מה אוכל לעשות או אפילו מה רציתי לעשות. הרגשתי מרירה ולא יכולתי לאהוב את עצמי ככה. לכן, הכרחתי את עצמי להכין רשימה של מה שהייתי רוצה לעשות. התחלתי עם אתגרים קטנים שאני יכולה לנסות מיד. "מחר אני רוצה ללכת לקיוסק בקומת הקרקע בכיסא הגלגלים שלי", "מחרתיים, אני רוצה ללכת ללובי של בית החולים לראות את הילדים שלי". Setting small goals I was just like her when I was being hospitalized. I had lost the ability to walk, and I didn’t have an idea what I would be able to do or even what I wanted to do. I felt bitter and couldn’t like myself that way. So, I forced myself to make a list of what I would like to do. I started with small challenges that I could try right away. “Tomorrow, I want to go to a kiosk on the ground floor in my wheelchair.” “The day after tomorrow, I want to go to the hospital lobby to see my kids off.” להתגאות בהצלחות קטנות בדרך זו הבנתי שיש הרבה דברים שרציתי לעשות. כשהצלחתי להשיג את המטרות הקטנות האלה, הרגשתי שמחה ונרגשת. נהניתי לחשוב על דברים לעשות ולנסות אותם בזה אחר זה. "מה אעשה עכשיו?", "אני יכולה לעשות יותר". זה לקח לי הרבה זמן, אבל בהדרגה התחלתי להרגיש יותר חיובית ויצאתי. אם אנחנו שואלים את עצמנו על המשאלות שלנו וגאים בהצלחות קטנות מיום ליום, אנו מתחילים לחשוב בצורה חיובית יותר על עצמנו. לי זה עבד. לאחר ניסיונות רבים, יכולתי לקבל את מי שאני. Taking pride in small successes In this way, I realized that there were actually many things I wished I could do. When I was able to achieve these small goals, I felt glad and excited. I came to enjoy thinking about what to do and trying them one by one. “What shall I do next?”, “I can do more.” It took me a long while, but, gradually, I came to feel more positive and outgoing. If we ask ourselves about our own wishes and take pride in small successes day by day, we start thinking more positively about ourselves. It worked on me. After much trying, I was able to accept who I was.

ללמוד ללכת לאחר קטיעת שתי רגליים שמי דניאלה ולפני כ-5 שנים חשבתי שחיי נגמרו. במהלך 30 השנים הראשונות לחיי הייתי בריאה ובטוחה. יום אחד באופן פתאומי מצאתי את עצמי בבית החולים חלשה לגמרי, חסרת ביטחון ומבוהלת. הייתי צריכה להישאר בבית החולים במשך שנה ושילמתי מחיר גבוה כדי לשרוד. שתי רגליי היו צריכות להיקטע מתחת לברכיים בגלל אלח דם. במבט לאחור אני יודעת שזו היתה ההחלטה הנכונה, אבל נאבקתי וזה היה כואב ללמוד ללכת עם שתי רגליים תותבות. אבל אני אסירת תודה על כל הדברים שאני מסוגלת לעשות עם המוגבלות שלי, להתגבר על כל המכשולים. יש לי רצון עז לחיות את חיי במלואם, אפילו ללא רגליים. Learning to walk after becoming a double amputee My name is Daniela and 5 years ago I thought my life was over. During the first 30 years of my life I was healthy and confident. From one day to the other I found myself in the hospital, completely weak, insecure and scared. I had to stay at the hospital for 1 year and I paid a high price to survive. Both of my legs had to be amputated below the knee, because of sepsis. Looking back I know it was the right decision, but I struggled and it was painful to learn to walk with 2 prosthetic legs. But I'm thankful for all the things I'm able to do with my disability. What helped me to overcome all the obstacles. I have a strong will to live my life to the fullest, even without feet. העצמת קהילת קטועי האיברים בגרמניה המשפחה, החברים שלי וסיפורי ההשראה של קטועי איברים אחרים במדיה החברתית עזרו לי הרבה כדי להישאר מדורבנת. זה עושה את החיים קלים יותר אם את מכירה אנשים עם חוויות דומות איתם את יכולה לחלוק את סיפור הקטיעה שלך. בזכות כל התמיכה שקיבלתי בימים הכי אפלים שלי, החלטתי לפתוח בלוג בעצמי, כדי שאוכל לתמוך באחרים הנאבקים עם קטיעה. החזון שלי הוא שקהילת קטועי האיברים בגרמניה תיעשה חזקה יותר, כמו בארה"ב, כך שנוכל להרחיב את הרשת שלנו וללמוד אחד מהשנייה. ההזדמנות לשתף את הסיפור שלי ב-yoocan הוא צעד חשוב נוסף בקידום הנראות של הקהילה ואני גאה להיות חלק מזה! Empowering the amputee community in Germany On the other side my family and friends and to see the inspiring stories of other amputees on social media, helped me a lot to stay motivated. It makes life easier if you know someone with similar experiences, you can share your amputation story with. Because of all the support that I received during my darkest days, I decided to start a blog on my own, so that I can support others who are struggling with an amputation. My vision is, that the amputee community in Germany gets more powerful, like in the U.S. so that we are able to widen our network and have the chance to learn from each other. The opportunity to share my story on yoocan is another important step to create more visibility for the community and I'm proud to be part of it!

כיסא הגלגלים שלי אינו קובע את מוגבלותי; מוגבלותי אינה קובעת את המשכל שלי. אני אישה צעירה בת 21 שחיה עם מוגבלות בתנועה ובשרירים שנגרמת עקב נזק מוחי מתמשך שהתרחש בלידה. מצבי ידוע בשם שיתוק מוחין. הבנתי במשך השנים כי כמה ממקרי שיתוק המוחין דומים, אבל אין מקרים זהים. אנשים שחיים עם שיתוק מוחין יכולים ללכת עם או בלי עזרה של מכשיר ניידות; חלק אולי יצטרכו להשתמש בכיסא גלגלים מפעם לפעם או באופן קבוע ודורשים טיפול 24/7 מן הסובבים אותם. יש אנשים עם שיתוק מוחין שזקוקים לתמיכה נוספת מבחינה אקדמית או נפשית כדי להשלים משימות. המידה שבה אנשים מושפעים מהמחלה קשורה לחלק במוח שנגרם לו נזק. אני יכולה ללכת בעזרת הליכון למרחקים קצרים ולהשתמש בכיסא גלגלים כששרירי הרגליים שלי נעשים עייפים מכדי שאוכל ללכת ביעילות. אנשים הביטו במחסום שלי כמקרה מיוחד כל חיי (למרות שאף מקרה אינו זהה). אני מקרה יותר ייחודי, כי אני מצליחה מאד מבחינה אקדמית ומאוד עצמאית (אני יכולה לשבת, להתגלגל, לדבר ולהאכיל את עצמי כמו עמיתים שלי ללא מוגבלות) מלבד הצורך בתמיכה של מכשירי ניידות כדי להגיע ממקום אחד לשני ביעילות. לאחרונה, יותר מפעם אחת, אנשים אמרו שלא היו מנחשים שאני בעלת מוגבלות אם לא הייתי בכיסא גלגלים או בהליכון - משום שהשיחות איתי אינטליגנטיות. המילים האלה הן הכי פוגעות ששמעתי ב-21 שנות חיי; המילים האלה פוגעות משום שהן משפיעות על אנשים נוספים מלבדי. מה גורם למישהו להיות בעל מוגבלות? מוגבלות מתרחשת כאשר אדם לא יכול להשלים משימה כפי שהחברה מצפה בשל מגבלה פיזית או נפשית. מישהו עם מוגבלות לוקח משימה ומסיים אותה בדרך שונה מהרוב, אבל משלים אותה וזה כל מה שחשוב. מוגבלות אינה קובעת את האינטליגנציה או את הערך של האדם בעולם הזה. רק בגלל שאנשים לא יכול לדבר לא אומר שהםיכולים לתקשר; רק בגלל שאנשים לא יכולים ללכת לא אומר שהם לא יכולים לעשות שום דבר בשביל עצמם. בבקשה תכירו באחרים על סמך האישיות שלהם ולא על פי הסטיגמה. הבדלים מתרחשים כדי לשמור על העולם מעניין; כדי להישאר מקובל בעולם המשתנה תמידית, קבלו אחרים כפי שהייתם מעוניינים שיקבלו אתכם. My Wheelchair Doesn’t Determine My Disability; My Disability Doesn’t Determine My Intelligence. I am a 21-year-old young woman living with a movement and muscle disability caused by permanent brain damage which occurred at birth. My condition is known as Cerebral Palsy. I’ve realized over the years that some CP cases are similar, but there is no case the same as another. Some people who live with Cerebral Palsy can walk with or without the help of a mobility device; some may need to use a wheelchair from time-to-time or use one all of the time and require 24/7 care from those around them. Some people who have CP may need extra support academically or mentally to complete tasks or may show a need for assistance in multiple areas mentioned above. The degree in which people are affected by CP has to do with which part of the brain experienced damage. I can walk with the help of a walker for short distances and use a wheelchair when my leg muscles become too tired to support my desire to walk effectively. People have looked at my CP as an extra special case all of my life ( even though no one case is the same). I am an even more unique case because I do very well academically and am very self- sufficient ( I can sit up, roll over, speak and feed myself the same way my peers without disability) other than needing support from mobility devices to get from one place to another efficiently. Recently, on more than one occasion, people have said that they wouldn’t guess I am disabled if I didn’t come along in a wheelchair or a walker because I have intelligent conversations. Although I say nothing in the moment, those words are the most hurtful I’ve heard in my 21 years of life; those words are hurtful because they affect more people than just myself. What makes someone disabled? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disability occurs when someone cannot complete a task in the way society expects because of a physical or mental limitation(s). Someone with a disability takes a task and finishes it differently than most, but they complete it, and that’s all that matters. A disability does not determine a person’s intelligence or worth in this world. Just because someone cannot speak does not mean they can’t communicate; just because someone can’t walk does not mean they cannot do anything for themselves. Please get to know someone based on their personality and not the stigma behind a label. Differences occur to keep the world interesting; to stay accepted in this every changing world, accept others the way you would want to be recognized.

Zero Project 2019 Call for Nominations is Open! The Zero Project team would like to invite leading experts and organizations to nominate Innovative Practices and Policies concerning this year’s topic: Independent Living and Political Participation.The Zero Project focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities globally. It provides a platform where the most innovative and effective solutions to problems that persons with disabilities face, are shared. Its sole objective is to assist in creating a world without barriers. The “Innovative Practices and Innovative Policies 2019” will be selected by the Zero Project network of experts in a multistep process, and will: - Be featured in the Zero Project Report 2019 - Be invited to speak at the Zero Project Conference in Vienna (Austria) in February 2019. Submitting a nomination is easy by filling in the Nomination-Online Tool. Please visit: www.zeroproject.org/nomination2019 Anyone can nominate any project, and self-nominations are also accepted! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact office@zeroproject.org any time. The deadline for submission is 10th June 2018.We are looking forward to receiving your nomination! The Zero Project Team and Zero Project Partners#ZeroCall19

“I’m mighty” Anyone who is quadriplegic will cringe when you say “I’m looking for a caregiver.” Its a daunting, scary task. You’re bringing a stranger into your personal space, who is in charge of your entire life and more importantly your well being. So when this pretty, petite, with bright eyes and a pretty smile woman walked in my door, it was a pleasant change up from the drug addicted, felony toting, lost humans I was used to. But by no means did I think she was a candidate for the job. I went over the usual interview questions, but as we talked I didn’t want her to leave. It was difficult but I eventually told her that her physical demeanor was not a good match for the job. I am a six foot, 200 pound ex football player that needed to be carried around...her reply “don’t underestimate me, I’m mighty” after that reply, I was hooked. I hired all 5 foot, 100 pounds of her immediately. Sometimes the smallest things are the biggest. She proved to be mighty and held the position down as good as any other person has. But what surprised me more was her ability to see past my broken parts, and to mend them. The most obvious was the chair. It was like there wasn’t one, but she saw everything. My fears, my worries - she seemed to always make everything better...she Challenged me. From roller coasters, food, and even music but the worse one was I had a fear of traveling. I would go but there was so much anxiety involved it felt not worth it. She made me do it anyway. The first trip she planned was to Northern California to see my hero; the Dalai Lama. Everything was planned perfectly, nothing was forgotten and all my anxiety diminished. I soon saw that she was the biggest thing I had been missing in my life. One thing leads to another After three years of this little woman easing my mind I knew it was time. I didn’t want to live any days without her. I had nothing to offer but myself. When I say I had nothing to offer, I mean it. I literally asked her to marry me with a donut, in place of a ring. I knew I would find her a way to get her one eventually, but for now, a donut was my only affordable option. I handed it to her and told her I had nothing to offer her but this donut and my heart. And I guaranteed that she would never find anyone who would try harder for her....then she said yes. With roots as strong as a tree My little (that’s what I call her) loves trees. So when my family came together to make sure she had something other than a donut on her wedding day they took the diamond from my mothers original wedding ring (she upgraded from on my mom and dads 25th anniversary) and gold from the wedding rings of both sets of grandparents that were no longer with us. With those components a jeweler made her a solitaire diamond ring where the circular part of it was in the shape of a tree trunk. When it was time to slip it on she LOST IT! She had no idea it was coming. My father then took a moment to explain that this ring was made with family roots as strong as a tree, and our love... A lifelong supporter Since my spinal cord injury I have done every treatment I could get my hands on short of any invasive implant or surgery. If you can think of it, I’ve done it. But when an old friend offered to send me to Indonesia to see a shoalin healer, that was something I hadn’t even thought of. I have made it my mission to find the best modalities for myself and others with such a catastrophic injury. I would love to see a cure, and if I stumble across it while on my mission - great! But for now I’m just looking to make mine and others lives better. Less pain, more mobility, better mindset, happier - that’s my goal. That being said, I’m will My to do most things. But was my wife willing to go that far for my cause? We had a home, she had a career that was rising, we had animal friends we loved - all would have to be given up or put aside. She asked “is it something you feel you need?” And after a few minutes I answered “yes”. She said “then we have to go...” we sold our accessible van, literally all of our possessions, found homes for our pets and set off on an adventure that went way beyond Northern California. But I knew with her by my side, we’d be ok. It started as just going to see the healer for 4 months and ended up being a three year eastern healing tour where I saw multiple types of eastern healers. I feel so lucky to have found my lifelong supporter....

This is what i got...so lets have some fun with it. Hey I'm Matty, Growing up I always believed in aliens! Mainly because when I looked at everyone I thought… "bloody hell…I don’t look like any of these people…am I the alien??" ha-ha. I was born with three ultimate added bonuses to life. 1. I am unbelievably good looking (I thought best get that one out the way first) 2. I have a short right arm/hand that resembles what can only be described as a small slightly battered (no pun intended) egg spatula! 3. I was also blessed with the ultimate half shell which is professionally known as ‘Scoliosis’... some people may think poor me…but would you say poor them to the likes of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael they have full shells and they kick ass! The only way i can live I live a life full of laughs and smiles. Now I’m not saying I never get down because of the way I am, but I’m sure everyone has insecurities and doubts! All I’m saying is I don’t feel hard done by and I have never, stood at the top of a mountain looked up into the sky in the pouring rain and screamed “WHY ME!!! The reason is because I’m no different to anyone. No different to you who is reading this now. I have great life! I am surrounded by family and mates that I know think a lot of me and will take the mick out of me not because I look like an extra from lord of the rings but because I’m ‘one of them’ There’s Is no greater feeling in life than to feel “normal” and I am very lucky to have that with my home life, social life and work life. I don’t feel as though I stick out, or I’m out of place, unless i find myself in the ladies toilets...then that can be a little akward. Dont idolise, become the idol. In life you must be yourself! Must be. No point idolising someone and wanting to create a replica of them in you, it isn’t going to work. I am me – Matty I am 4ft 11” I look like I have been through the tumble dryer! I’m daft, I’m an idiot, I’ve made mistakes, I am so laid back that I’m practically horizontal and I have regrets but it’s me. Going through life hasn’t been an easy ride and I have no doubt that the last bit of the ride isn’t going to be smooth sailing for any of us as we get older. Meet people, get yourself out there! I think the key is to surround yourself with people who make you feel good, whoever it is, your parents, siblings, love of your life, dog, cat, pet hamster or even a favourite goldfish. I meet different people every day and that is the beauty of this life, we get to meet all types of people that can change us as people and make a huge impact in our lives. If you have someone or have a group of people that make all your insecurities disappear and make you feel unbelievable - that is the greatest gift anyone can give you OR you can give someone. I met my wonderwall. Made me look at life completely different and opened my eyes to what life is all about and what its not about. Its not about wasting time, money or thoughts on things that aren’t important. It’s about focusing on something that is almost imaginable to lose. Gave me that feeling and so much in terms of confidence and believing in myself and striving to be better, that I think I would have to live my life ten times over to repay what I got from them. Gifts like that from people exist once and while, if you have something like that in your character use it and spray the whole world with it..life is far to short not too. I look at life like this, I am a tiny person in a very big World. If me writing/ speaking to different people will change even one person’s confidence or outlook on life then thats my job done. I am an aspiring stand-up comedian, actor and model currently signed to Zebedee Management - got check them out, https://www.zebedeemanagement.co.uk/who-we-are they are doing amazing things for us "X-men" I truly believe that I can do anything, apart from juggle…that shits hard. Life can be shit, but i tell you what its also the greatest thing in the world, because some people never got the chance we all have. So lets do it! Love, Laugh, hug, kiss, make up, never hold a grudge and whatever you do smile, because that can brighten even the dull days for people 😊 Matty

התמודדות עם מחלה האם אי פעם חטפתן הצטננות נוראית הנמשכת שבוע ומתפתחת לכדי זיהום איום בסינוסים? כילדה, סבלתי מזיהומים בסינוסים ומדלקות גרון. הייתי אצל הרופא כל חודשיים לסיבוב נוסף של אנטיביוטיקה. לאחר שהתבגרתי, חשבתי שפיתחתי חסינות לשניהם משום שהזיהומים המסויימים האלה הם מעטים ובתדירות נמוכה. ההתמודדות עם הזיהומים הקבועים האלה השפיעה על גופי. שני סוגי הזיהומים תמיד גרמו לי להרגיש עייפות ולאבד את התיאבון, מה שגרם לשיתוק המוחין שלי להיות הרבה יותר גרוע. זה גרם לשרירים שלי לכאוב ולהתהדק ולעוויתות להופיע בתדירות גבוהה יותר. במהלך השנים האחרונות אני נאבקת עם מחלות במערכת העיכול (שפעת קיבה, הרעלת מזון). כל שנה אני מקבלת אחת מהן. רק החודש סבלתי משתיהן. זה רוקן אותי פיזית והכביד עליי בצורה קיצונית. היתה לי שפעת בקיבה במשך שבוע ובחצי הראשון שלה שום דבר לא יכול היה להישאר אצלי בגוף. איבדתי אנרגיה ולקח כמעט שבועיים לגופי להתאושש. בערך שבוע לאחר מכן, קיבלתי הרעלת מזון בפעם הראשונה. מין החיידק שהיה לי נקרא אי קולי. זה מפחיד כי יכול ללכת לכיוון רע במהירות. אני בדיאטה מאוד עדינה וצריכה לוודא שאני שותה טונות של מים על מנת שהגוף שלי יווסת את עצמו. מה אתן עושות כשאתן מרגישות כך? Dealing with Illness Have you ever gotten a horrible cold? It's been there for a week and just doesn't leave, instead it turns into an awful sinus infection. As a child, I swapped between sinus infections and strep throat. I was in my pediatrician's office every couple of months for another round of antibiotics. After I reached adulthood, I thought that I had built up an immunity to both of them because these particular infections are few and far between now. When I was dealing with these constant infections, it took a tole on my body. Both types of infections always made me feel fatigue and lose my appetite, which made my Cerebral Palsy get a lot worse. It made my muscles ache and tighten. It made them spasm more frequently. Over the last couple of years, I've been struggling with GI illnesses. (Stomach flu, food poisoning). Every year, I seem to get one or the other. Just this month, I've had both of them. It's been physically draining and extremely taxing. I had the stomach flu for a week and for the first half of it, I couldn't keep anything down. I lost energy and it took almost two weeks for my body to recover. About a week after that, I got food poisoning for the first time. The strain that I had was called E. Coli. It was/is scary because it can go in a bad direction quickly. I've been on a very bland diet and have to make sure that I'm drinking TONS of water. I'm still in the midst of letting my body regulate itself but it is getting better. What do you do if you feel this way? טיפים להתמודדות עם מחלה 1) אם אתן לא בטוחות מה זה או מרגישות שזה יכול להיות זיהום, התקשרו לרופא שלכן. בדרך כלל אני מחכה כמה ימים עד שבוע (תלוי אם זו הצטננות) כדי לראות רופא אבל אם זה לא משתפר אחרי שבוע, אני מקבלת אנטיביוטיקה כדי להיפטר מזה או תרופות כדי להקל על הסימפטומים. 2) להקשיב לגוף שלכן. הוא יאותת לכן מה הוא צריך. זה אולי נשמע מוזר אבל אני באמת מאמינה כי הגוף שלכן יאותת לכן. ביום שני חשבתי שהתקף האי קולי שלי הסתיים והתחלתי לאכול קצת יותר (כריך הודו, עוף ואורז). זה היה יותר מדי בשביל הבטן שלי אז חזרתי לאכול מאכלים עדינים. 3) אם הייתה לכן שפעת בקיבה או הרעלת מזון, הכניסו באיטיות את האוכל בחזרה לתוך התזונה שלכן. הרופא שלי תמיד אומר לאכול בננות, אורז, תפוחים וטוסט. אני בדרך כלל בדיאטה הזאת עד שהגוף שלי מווסת את עצמו. בכל פעם שאני חולה, אני על הדיאטה הזו. ברגע שאני מתחילה לאכול אוכל אחר אני לא מעמיסה על הגוף שלי עם מנות גדולות וממעיטה במזונות מתוקים בימים הראשונים. Tips for coping with illness 1) If you're not sure what it is or feel that it could be an infection, call your doctor. Usually, I wait a couple of days to a week (depending on if it's a cold) to see a doctor but if it doesn't get better after a week, I get antibiotics to get rid of it or medicine to relieve symptoms. 2) Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs. This might sound weird but I am truly becoming a believer that your body knows and will tell you. On Monday, I thought that my bout of E. Coli was over and I started to eat some mild food (turkey sandwich, chicken and rice). That was too much for my stomach. I've taken it back down to eating mild foods. 3) If you had the stomach flu or food poisoning, slowly introduce food back into your diet. My doctor always says to eat the B. R. A. T. (Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet. I usually eat this diet until my body regulates itself. Each time I get sick, I'm on that diet for a different length of time. Once I start eating other food, I don't overload my body with big portions & I stick to mild foods for the first few days. (Turkey sandwiches with no vegetables, grilled chicken and scrambled eggs)

Easy or hard As easy or hard it is sometimes for me to admit or come to turns with, my body is changing in more ways than one, some changes I can control other’s are just part of having and living with Muscular Dystrophy. This can sometimes feel very lonely going though those changes when you're living with someone who’s able-bodied and will never really totally understand what it’s like to lose the simplest of functions. In the same breath, It’s also very easy to forget that your loved ones also go though their own feeling of worry and concern in a different way when watching your body change. New airway When I finally started using my new airway pressure machine (makes me look like Darth Vader's love child!) as I normally do, I take a few selfies then post (normally with a good filter I’m less scary looking with a good filter. I’m no spring chicken anymore. Normally my husband just laughs at me and says "do you really need to share everything?" This time around, though his comment was very different, it wasn’t the asking me if I was taking a picture, it was more the disappointing tone he had he seemed to be more funny about it than normal. Didn't really think much I didn’t really think much to it at that time, just thought he was being more moody than he normally is so just ignored it and carried on. It really wasn’t until later on, it came back to me and I really thought about how my husband’s upset tone really was and it bothered me a little. I’m not going to lie, my initial thought was that he was embarrassed that I was posting pictures of myself with my new equipment. To me that was the only possible exclamation I could come up with. If you know me, you know I love to share and a good picture unfortunately my husband doesn't have the same views. I asked my husband if he was embarrassed, he turned to me and said "no, don’t be silly. I just don’t want people to say horrible things about you wearing your mask. You know how nasty people can be, I just want to protect you from the people who don’t have anything nice to say." I love him so much for that. Harsh truth & Facts Unfortunately, that’s the harsh truth to the world we now live in. Some people find it very easy to say harsh words, not thinking about the person or family behind the photo. Disability hate crimes are on the rise over past few years. According to Home Office statistic hate crimes have increased to 29% in England and Wales over 2016-17, 7% out of that 29% were disability hate crimes that’s 5,558 people with some form of disability reporting a hate crime. These negative reactions can have a massive impact on someone with a disability, I have in the past come across some hate though Facebook – I received private messages saying I should have been drowned at birth, I should have died at birth, I need to lock myself away from the general public. I cried for a few days thinking how I don’t know these people & why would they be so cruel and heartless, so I can understand and see why my husband feels so concerned. Sometimes when I post anything that could create negative reactions towards me. Maybe some people need to understand more about disabilities, but then who knows why some people do the things they do. Now why I have this equipment It turns out when I sleep, my throat collapses and I stop breathing for a few seconds – scary thought or what. Its' medical term is called Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) CPAP Machine. I’ve been given this fancy bit of kit called continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). What does this kit do? It’s a small pump that delivers a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask that either covers your nose or your nose and mouth. The compressed air prevents your throat from closing, to begin with I was given a full face mask, which made me feel very claustrophobic. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me that does this but I always find myself agreeing with the professional when it comes to new equipment. Then I come home thinking why did you agree to that, as my mother always says to me "yes" they're professionals and "yes" they know how to do their job, but they don’t know you and how your body works. This is true. Finally Listening to myself Finally Listening to myself and what my needs are, I changed my full face to a nasal one. As crazy as it sounds the sense of more freedom on my face was more apparent I feel so much better using it. Developing high blood pressure (hypertension), having a stroke or heart attack, developing an irregular heartbeat – such as atrial fibrillation, developing type 2 diabetes – although it’s unclear if this is the result of an underlying cause, such as obesity This story has two parts The negative side someone with disabilities can face, is it down to lack of knowledge and understanding or just pure hate!? The second part – Explaining why I need and use this equipment and the dangers I could face not having it. I’d like to hear if anyone has experienced hate having a disability in any way? If you haven’t but the thought still stops you because you're scared you might, what do you think should be done to prevent these hate crimes towards people with disabilities?

Advocate Like a Mother by Littlest Warrior There is no greater advocate than that of a mom for her child. At Littlest Warrior we spread joy, awareness and inclusion and we support all the parents who tirelessly advocate for their children.