WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?

Whenever cerebral palsy is mentioned, some people would relate it to a disease that cannot be treated.

Well, for the information of those who think it is a disease– Cerebral Palsy is NOT a disease that’s hereditary or contagious. According to research–it is a birth condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and/or other disabilities caused by the damage to the brain before or at birth.

SUNSHINE and CP

I was born with CP of the choreoathetoid type. This type of CP is manifested by involuntary movements mainly in the face and in the upper part of the body.  Thank God, hindi ako napuruhan ng husto sa damage ng CP so I am able to walk, talk, play and do things like normal people do.

MIRACLE BABY

 

Growing up, I was called a miracle baby. Perhaps because I survived death at infancy. I’d hear stories about how my mom gave birth to me prematurely, how small I was and how devastated everyone was when I was left in the pediatric nursery for four months.

But honestly habang  lumalaki ako I didn’t realize I had CP -nobody told me then.  All I knew was that I had poor balance and poor muscle and body coordination.

One funny memory I can still remember was falling off the stage while making a turn during our “Bulaklakan” dance presentation in kindergarten school. Similar incidents would also happen during my growing up years.   I was born in the 70’s era and let’s face it, medical procedures and technology at that time weren’t as high tech and modern as they are today. It was all by God’s mercy that I was able to survive.

 

COPING WITH CP

Like most kids with physical challenges, I had my share of hardships and bullying.   I was bullied many times for having physical limitations because people think that I won’t be able to deliver or succeed. But I proved them wrong.

Through it all I was able to cope and manage. I was able to finish college with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. I landed a job in Manila as an entertainment writer in local show business which I loved doing for the longest time.

Now I am a blogger and I continue to give my best where ever God leads me.

HOW CAN YOU TREAT CP

Cerebral palsy has no cure since it is not a disease but it is can be  managed through prescription medicine and/or therapy- PT , OT, speech- depending on what  you need and on what your doctor will recommend is best for you. Presently, I am undergoing physical therapy to strengthen my balance and coordination. I’m glad that there are rehabilitation centers now that are equipped and funded  by the government so kids with CP or other conditions can have themselves checked and have their needs addressed.

 

 

ACCEPTING THE DISABILITY

 

Like most of you– I have dreams. I’ve always wanted to go and reach the next level or soar higher but I always encounter challenges because of my speech difficulty, involuntary movements and poor balance.  I feel frustrated at times thinking and wishing I could’ve done more.

But GOD is good and gracious. HE didn’t leave me empty –handed. He gifted me with family and friends who support me in all aspects of my life. He gave me the capability, wisdom and ability to cope with a challenging life.  I was able to write in magazines and tabloids and do PR work. Now, I am able to feature different topics in my blogs.

Others may think having CP is a burden. Hmmn, hindi ako magpapaka-plastik, mahirap ang CP. But it is through my disability that I’m able to test my strength, embrace my limitations and appreciate life’s blessings around me. CCT