Unbreakable Spirits: Triumphs Over Cerebral Palsy

July 15, 1994

At 4:15 a.m., my mum went into labor. She was stressed out because she had already been sick as a dog with Shingles.  This caused me to be stressed out inside the womb, which unfortunately led to the umbilical cord wrapping around my neck, causing Hypoxic-ischemic injury, also known as stagnant anoxia. It occurs when oxygen-carrying blood cannot reach the brain, resulting in oxygen deprivation. In the most straightforward terms, I had a stroke.

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age (three years old). The words were like a puzzle piece finally falling into place, explaining the intricacies of my movements and coordination. While early therapy sessions and medical consultations marked my journey, it was also infused with boundless support from family and friends.

Cerebral Palsy, often abbreviated as CP, is a neurological condition that affects movement and posture.  While it is not a progressive condition, meaning it does not worsen over time, it can pose significant challenges to those diagnosed with it.

The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” refers to muscle weakness or problems with movement. CP is often caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur before, during, or shortly after birth.  This damage manifests in various ways, leading to a wide range of symptoms and challenges.

There are various types of CP, and I will do my best to make it simple and easy to understand. Most individuals 80% (including myself) have Spastic.

• Spastic CP –  abnormal muscle tone and stiff muscles, making movement difficult. People with diplegia, primarily the lower half of the body, are affected. For people with hemiplegia (I am in this category) mostly one side of the body is affected (my left side). In people with quadriplegia, all four limbs are affected and the trunk, face and mouth muscles may also be affected.
• Dyskinetic CP: is an umbrella term characterized by three types of involuntary movements: dystonic, athetoid, and choreic. Dystonia– intermittent or lengthy muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movement sequences, abnormal posture, or both. 
  Athetosis– slow, continuous, involuntary twisting movements that prevent stable posture
  Chorea – a sequence of one or more involuntary movements that are abrupt and appear irregular. Unlike dystonic movements, choreiform movements look more rapid, unpredictable, and ongoing.
• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: About 1 to 10 percent of people with CP have the ataxic form. People with ataxic CP may have challenges with balance, depth perception, and coordination. It is often characterized by wobbly or shaky, purposeful movements. 
• Mixed Cerebral Palsy: Some individuals may have a combination of the above types

Information found at cprn.org

The causes of Cerebral Palsy can vary, but they all involve some form of brain damage during development. Here are the primary causes:

1. Prenatal Factors: Brain damage can occur during pregnancy due to factors such as infections, exposure to toxins, or genetic mutations. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
2. Perinatal Factors: Damage during the birthing process can also lead to CP. Oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery are potential causes.
3. Postnatal Factors: Brain injuries that occur in the months or years following birth, such as head trauma from accidents or infections like meningitis, can also result in CP.

Like many parents faced with this diagnosis, mine were filled with questions and concerns about what the future held for their child. What would my capabilities be? How would I navigate a world not designed with my condition in mind?

The physical aspects of CP have undoubtedly been a central part of my journey. Early on, I faced difficulties with mobility. Simple tasks like walking and climbing stairs were monumental achievements, often requiring hours of physical therapy and unwavering determination.

At the age of five, I had major surgery on my left Achilles tendon to help it from curving inward and spasticity of the muscles for me to be able to walk. For months, I had to use a walker and hated every moment, but at least I was beginning to walk.

While CP primarily affects movement, it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t define intelligence or capabilities. In my case, the cognitive aspects of life were an area of strength. I excelled academically. I became engrossed in reading from a very young age, and this became an empowering force, proving that cerebral palsy was just one aspect of who I was. 

Growing up with Cerebral Palsy, I quickly became aware of the social dynamics at play. There were those who saw me as ‘different,’ and I would get picked on and pushed around. However, I’ve also been fortunate to encounter individuals who looked beyond my condition and recognized my capabilities. For that, I am forever grateful for those who have helped me along my path; your support does not go unnoticed.

As I got older, I realized the power of advocacy. It’s not just about speaking up for oneself but about being a voice for others who may not have the same platform. I try to inspire and motivate as many people as possible because no matter how hard I think I may have it, someone else out there wishes they could be as mobile, sociable, or adventurous. Whatever the case may be.

Living with cerebral palsy has shaped me in profound ways. It’s taught me to view challenges as growth opportunities and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Through it all, I’ve come to understand that my capabilities are boundless, and with the right support and mindset, I can continue to embrace new possibilities in the years ahead.

Here is a CP video to help sum up what Cerebral Palsy is.

As always, do what you love, and do it often! Till the next adventure…