By March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. When I found out a few years ago, it irked me, honestly, at first. My initial thought was: “Really? We need one?” I did not want people with my condition to be singled out anymore than they already are. On a personal level: I did not want to be singled out for my condition, when I go out in the world, any more than I already am. A brighter spotlight on my otherness or differences from other people, I thought? No, thank you. The notion made me highly uncomfortable.
Over the years, my perspective has changed. I think having an awareness month is good for society. Why you ask? More and more misinformation seems to be floating around about my condition every day. This leads to people asking invasive, personal, questions that make me extremely uncomfortable when I am out of the confines of my apartment. It also leads to more comments, from strangers, when I am out of the comfort of my apartment, that make me furious. Those comments are so wrong they would be funny if I can ever find the humor in them. Finding the humor in those comments is still a work in progress. It might always be despite my best efforts.
The misinformation is why I started blogging/creating videos/other content in the first place. It was the catalyst. I use my platform to counter misinformation and address wrong, hurtful comments, too. I admit it takes enormous courage. Now, I understand if I do not speak up about misinformation, and hurtful, wrong, comments about my condition I miss an opportunity to change the conversation around my condition and make the world a: better, more inclusive, equitable, kinder, loving place. I will take every opportunity presented to me to do that. It is part of my purpose, and part of the way I put my faith in action. As far as I am concerned loving my neighbor as myself includes teaching what clearly people do not know about my condition, so they can make better choices with their words and actions going forward.
Being visible and brave every day along with my life to the fullest is more than important. It is vital given the world in which we live. Now, I understand why I have my condition and all of the bumps along the journey of doing my best to thrive: to do this work exactly in such a time as this. I was born and survived for that reason. It is privilege, even with all of the difficulties, I will NEVER take for granted.
