Cerebral Palsy needs physical and emotional support.

     I can do a lot of things for myself because I grew up with an amazing support system. My parents listen to someone who told them to make me independent. Yes, I was spoiled, but they made me do things for myself instead of them doing things. They took me to Greenville Shriners every six months until I was 18. They wanted to cut my knees hamstrings, but my parents didn’t let them because I was mobile and if they stretched my legs, I couldn’t crawl. My parents always carried me everywhere. They knew I loved doing things. They always fought for me. They had to stay up late until I got my homework done. When I went to Columbia for training, they took me every week. When my counselor told me to start a business, Dad said go for it. When my counselor suggested I could do public speaking, Dad encouraged me when I wasn’t sure of speaking. He and Mom took me everywhere so I could speak. This is only a fraction of the support I received. Besides my parents, everyone has been very supportive of me, and I appreciate that so much. I can’t leave my brother out. He supports me especially the older we got. I always count on him when I need him. After Mom died, he is doing things for me.