Growing Up with a Sibling with Cerebral Palsy: Learning to adapt

My sister was born with cerebral palsy affecting the left side of her body. Her left arm is shortened and under developed. Her left leg is twisted inward making it very difficult for her to walk. She is not affected cognitively other than the fact that many of her classmates made fun of her. But through the years she’s learned not to allow any of that to affect her spirit. I think she has become the strongest person I know. 

Cerebral Palsy: Misunderstood,

Living With One Hand:

A recent conversation at the local gym left me surprised and made me wonder what others thought about the following situation:

I have Athetoid Cerebral Palsy which means I can control my arm about 60%.  I can wave hello to a passerby and turn on a light switch with my left hand – but that is about it.  My life with Cerebral Palsy has not stopped me yet… I invited my therapists to come watch me play soccer and basketball as I grew up.  I played the piano with my elbow, and I graduated college with my Masters in Occupational Therapy. 

The challenge I faced at the gym started as a simple conversation – she asked if I was married, to which I replied “yes, almost two years now.”  Then she asked a question that was more like a statement – “So would you abort if you got pregnant?” 

How to tie your shoes one handed

One Handed Kitchen Container

As someone with cerebral palsy on the left side of my body, I have found that the tasks that prove the most challenging for me are in the kitchen.  One simple product I found that made cooking less frustrating for me was the OXO "POP Container"

This way I do not have to struggle at all to open a container for my sugar, flour, or anything.  The frustration it saves me is well worth the price.  I am excited to get more for Christmas!

Features & Benefits

• Airtight seal with the press of a button
• Modular stacking system for optimal countertop and pantry organization
• Set includes: 1 4.0-quart Container, ideal for a 5 lb bag of flour or sugar. 1 2.5-quart Container, ideal size for rice, pasta, breadsticks. 1 2.4-quart Container, ideal for cookies, crackers. 1 2.1-quart Container, ideal for spaghetti, linguini, lasagna. 2 0.9-quart Containers, ideal for brown sugar, nuts. 2 0.5-quart Containers, ideal for tea bags, candy, sugar cubes. 2 0.3-quart Containers, ideal for spices, dried chilies, bouillon.
• Square shapes maximize space-efficiency
• Container corners allow for easy pouring
• Pop-up button serves as handle to lift off lid
• Also great for use in the garage, sewing room, play room and more
• Silicone gasket is dishwasher safe, hand wash other parts
• BPA-free