Nothing Is Impossible: Five Heroes Who Beat All Odds – MBCN
The journey of life is not an easy one. At certain times during this journey, you might be brutally bombarded with challenges that leave you thoroughly discouraged. This shouldn’t stop you from dreaming big.
A group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood, cerebral palsy is one such challenge. The symptoms include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles and tremors, depending on the severity of the case. Albeit a deadly disorder, CP can be overcome with a little support and a lot of courage.
Every year, World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed globally to ensure that children and adults with CP have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. Here’s a list of people with cerebral palsy who have inspired many with their bravery and vision.
Bonner Paddock
Bonner Paddock was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 11. In 2008, he became the first person with CP to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro unassisted. In 2012, he broke yet another record, becoming the first person with CP to complete the Ironman Triathlon. He is also the founder and chairperson of the OM Foundation, which raises money to build early-learning centers that provide therapies for children with disabilities. A true inspiration, indeed!
Christy Brown
Christy Brown was an Irish painter, poet and author born with a severe case of cerebral palsy. Incapable of any movement, he learned to speak, read, and write with the help of his mother. He is most famous for his autobiography – My Left Foot. In 1970, Christy published another best-selling autobiographical novel, Down All the Days. People like him make us realise that disease is just a word.
Geri Jewell
Geri Jewell is an American actress, author and motivational speaker. Defying the odds, she received national recognition for being the first person with cerebral palsy to be cast in a prime-time television series. In 2011, she published her autobiography titled I’m Walking as Straight as I Can. The book spoke about her experience in Hollywood.
Ayush Chamoli
Ayush Chamoli is an #MBCN student with multiple disorders, including cerebral palsy. A vivacious boy, he has faced each obstacle with admirable courage. Despite the odds, he and his family never gave up. Rather, he used the hardships and setbacks to motivate him to try harder. Kids like him are an inspiration for many!
Jatin Kanojia
Jatin Kanojia is a 25-year-old boy from Ghazipur with cerebral palsy, but he hasn’t let his disability define him. Jatin worked hard as a child, completed his education and joined the Wave Group in 2016 as a computer operator. Despite the odds working against him, Jatin has remained focused towards building a career.
These people are an inspiration for everyone as they made us believe that a disease cannot stop you from achieving your goals. They overcame near-impossible obstacles to show us just how much can be accomplished despite limitations.
Also Read: Indian celebrities who didn’t let their disability get the better of them!