Saturday, October 6th, was World Cerebral Palsy Day. It allowed me to pause and think about what having cerebral palsy means to me. Attempting to answer this question in one single blog post seems impossible and insanely daunting, but I'm going to at the very least, launch the conversation. I found out about my diagnosis… Continue reading What Having CP Means to Me
Author: M
The Art of Staying Calm
Two weeks or so ago, I fell crossing the street in my neighborhood. One minute I was walking along, and the next I was on the ground. The fall wasn't a bad one, but the whole ordeal was pretty embarrassing to say the least. One would think I would be used to falling over by… Continue reading The Art of Staying Calm
On the Railroad while Disabled
I had been on the Metro North railroad many times before, but this experience in particular was different. The conductor barked out the word, "Tickets!" along the aisle of the train car, followed by a click as she punched the hole in a ticket from each passenger. Soon she approached me, and as I'd just… Continue reading On the Railroad while Disabled
My First Ever Visit to the Gynecologist
Proper gynecological care for women with physical disabilities is a must; a necessity. Oftentimes, we are overlooked because of the misconception that we are not, and will never be, sexually active. We are so frequently viewed as medical objects that we are disassociated–we sometimes even do it to ourselves–from the reality that we are in… Continue reading My First Ever Visit to the Gynecologist
Shopping With My Godmother
All my life, I've identified as disabled. That being said, I am no stranger to being discriminated against. Discrimination can come in many forms, subtle or overt. This anecdote is one that came at a time where I was aware enough to know that discrimination was happening. In the midst of a crowded shopping mall,… Continue reading Shopping With My Godmother
Quiet Reminders and Meeting Dr. X
It was a muggy August day when I met Dr. X. Apparently called the "Grandfather of CP," Dr. X was tall, narrow and wore thin rimmed glasses. Uncharacteristically, I was apprehensive and nervous for and at the visit, being so accustomed to the surgeon I've been following my whole life. But, since he's leaving, I… Continue reading Quiet Reminders and Meeting Dr. X
Five Portraits of my Physical Therapists
Living with cerebral palsy meant physical therapy was absolutely necessary as a course of treatment to ease my spastic muscles and strengthen my weak legs. It was non-negotiable, injected into my narrative at a very young age, and has since remained to this day. I've had many different types of physical therapists throughout the years.… Continue reading Five Portraits of my Physical Therapists
The Spastic Diplege 