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How Being a Cerebral Palsy Advocate Helps in My Own Life

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I first started to get into advocating for cerebral palsy when I was 18, after I decided I wanted to make a difference in the world for others like me. Little did I know that my decision to start advocating for others would also help me cope with my cerebral palsy and the world around me.

When I’m advocating for people with cerebral palsy I feel empowered to make a difference in the world by doing the one thing I love doing — speaking out about being a young woman with cerebral palsy and living in a world where society doesn’t fully understand what it’s like. When I’m advocating I suddenly forget about the lack of mobility that I have on the left side of my body to due to cerebral palsy, and I find the strength to keep going no matter what obstacles are in front of me.

Being an advocate for cerebral palsy has given me the courage and confidence to share my story to the best of my abilities, in the hopes that I will be able to inspire others to be the voice that they want to be. Through cerebral palsy advocacy I have been able to connect with others like me, which reminds me that I’m not alone and I have to keep going despite the obstacles I might come across with my cerebral palsy. Advocating for cerebral palsy has helped me to be confident in my ability to achieve anything I put my mind to.

Advocating for cerebral palsy has also allowed me to have an outlet to release all of my emotions about my experience positively as I step out in the world and say, “Yes I have cerebral palsy and this is my story.”

Being an advocating for cerebral palsy has helped me to be proud of the person that I am and the progress I’ve made as a young woman with a disability.

It’s given me the chance to be who I really want to be without worrying about being judged by others.

Ultimately, I’m truly thankful for advocacy and what it’s done for me and my confidence.

A banner promoting The Mighty's new Our CP Journey group on The Mighty mobile app. The banner reads, Join Our CP Journey — a supportive and uplifting space for anyone who has cerebral palsy. Let's help each other find the courage to keep going. Click to join.

Photo credit: EtiAmmos/Getty Images

Originally published: June 28, 2020
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