Community Q&A: Mychaela
Through our Q&A, Mychaela shares her personal journey with CP and how she has learned to adapt, discovering what her personal definition of success looks like!
Meet Mychaela
Q: What is your CP origin story? If someone wanted to learn about your disability, what would you want them to know?
A: I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy one month after I was born. I have Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, which affects my legs. I have surprised myself and accomplished a lot of things. I learned how to swim, walk with my walker. I learned how to bake and cook for myself. I make bracelets and write short fiction stories for people to read. I will be starting at Carl D. Perkins vocational training center.
Q: How has having CP impacted you positively in life? What are some of your challenges with CP? Feel free to share as much as you’re comfortable.
A: Navigating the physical and social aspect of cerebral palsy can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of inner strength and resilience. Discovering my cerebral palsy helped me to realize that I am strong. Some challenges with my cerebral palsy is walking along with muscle stiffness and weakness in my legs.
Q: What have you learned about life with cerebral palsy?
A: Living with cerebral palsy has taught me the importance of adapting to new situations and finding my own path to success. It’s also shown me the power of community and the strength that comes from connecting with others who understand my experience. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and to focus on my strengths, and I’ve found that there are many ways to live a full and fulfilling life despite the challenges.
Q: What does #CPstrong mean to you?
A: What #CPstrong means to me is to not give up and keep pushing when things are hard in life.
Q: What do you enjoy about being a part of the disability community?
A: What I enjoy about being a part of the disability community is being an advocate for others who don’t have a voice to advocate for themselves.
Q: How has life as an adult with CP been different from your childhood with CP? What has been the hardest part? What has been the best/most enjoyable part?
A: Life as an adult with CP has been challenging because I have seen a decrease in my mobility especially when I am walking in my walker which was noticed by my primary care physician.
Thanks for reading! Interested in sharing your story or responding to a series of questions about life with cerebral palsy? Learn more below and we’ll get back to you!
