I’m strong, and I can overcome anything. The wheelchair and the cerebral palsy is just an obstacle, and an object. That doesn’t define who I am as a person.

The Mighty Presents: Tylia Flores, Cerebral Palsy Advocate

Hello everyone! My name is Tylia Flores. I’m a 24 year old with spastic cerebral palsy.

What is the biggest stigma facing cerebral palsy?

One of the biggest stigmas that I get with my cerebral palsy in my experience is that people assume I’m not educated, that I’m not smart, and that I can’t communicate. Usually when people look at me in a store and they stare at me, I just look at them and say, “Hi! My name’s Tylia Flores. I have cerebral palsy. How can I help you?” They look at me, shocked, like they just saw an alien or something come from Outer Space and it landed on Earth.

What do you wish others knew about cerebral palsy?

It’s not all that bad as it seems. People look at me and they’re like, “I feel so bad for you, you’re in a chair, you can’t do X Y Z,” when the truth of the matter is: having cerebral palsy ain’t all that bad.

How has cerebral palsy affected your relationships?

It really hasn’t affected my relationships with people. When I was younger I faced a lot of bullying, but people in my family wouldn’t. People get to know me for Tylia, and they see that I’m full of fun and compassion. If people just don’t get my situation, I just keep it all moving and say, ‘You know what? No. This isn’t going to work.’ So I don’t waste my time with negative people.

What is your go-to self care?

I like working out. I like going to physical therapy once or twice a week, and I like to do aqua therapy as well and jam out to country music. I’m a huge country fan.

What are songs that inspire you?

One of them in particular that has helped me through a bad time in my life is “Austin” by Blake Shelton. I listen to it before I go to doctor’s appointments because that song has helped me through a lot, and has helped me understand that despite the obstacles, I can’t give up. “The Way” by Jeremy Camp, because I have to remember that God is in control, and that God is the story. “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. It tells me that one day I’m going to get to be with The Lord, and get to talk to Him about my life and how awesome it was, and how thankful I am for my life and my journey.”

What would you like people to know walking away from this video?

If I were able to tell anybody anything that’s looking to join The Mighty or be a part of the Mighty, or anybody that’s going through a hard time, just keep on stomping and stay mighty no matter what, because you’re a shining star.