Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that can permanently affect one’s body movements and muscle coordination. The condition is caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth.
Yet, around the world, individuals with cerebral palsy have turned those challenges into opportunities to inspire those around them.
From running marathons to breaking barriers in entertainment, they have proven that determination can overcome any physical limitation.
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, FMT Lifestyle highlights five of these inspiring individuals, while acknowledging that there are many others who continue to redefine what is possible.
1. Justin Gallegos
Justin Gallegos is an American runner who has competed in cross-country, track and road races. In 2018, he completed his first half-marathon and just a year later, a full marathon.
When he first started running in high school, his feet would drag, causing him to stumble. Yet he persevered and gradually developed a running style that worked for him.
He is believed to be the first professional athlete with cerebral palsy to be signed by Nike and has collaborated with the brand to develop running shoes for those with disabilities.
He was selected to be an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation in 2019.
2. Bonner Paddock
Bonner Paddock was reportedly diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 11. For years, he kept his disorder a secret – until a friend’s young son, who was also suffering from cerebral palsy, passed away.
This prompted him to reevaluate his decision about keeping his condition private, and from then on, he has been living his life boldly.
He has since conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, participated in the grueling Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and started a foundation to help children with disabilities.
3. RJ Mitte
American actor RJ Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was three years old. But that didn’t stop him from pursuing an acting career in Hollywood.
He has since played the role of Walter White Jr on crime drama series, “Breaking Bad” – a character who, like Mitte himself, has cerebral palsy, although in a more severe form.
Mitte has also starred in “The Oak Room”, “Switched at Birth” and “Triumph”, which he also executive produced.
In an interview with Brain & Life magazine, Mitte recalled being bullied as a child. Today, he has been selected by Shriners Hospital for Children as their celebrity spokesperson for an anti-bullying campaign, “Cut the Bull”.
4. Chris Fonseca
Chris Fonseca is a stand-up comedian, although “sit-down” comedian would be a more fitting description. His condition, however, has never stopped him from bringing down the room with laughter with his jokes.
Performing under the stage name Chris “Crazy Legs” Fonseca, he weaves his disorder into his routines, using humour to address stereotypes about disability.
Fonseca’s life began with hardship – he was born with cerebral palsy, and his mother died during childbirth.
But he has come a long way since those early days: he has been a guest on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Arsenio Hall Show”.
He has even appeared on Baywatch and is believed to have been inducted into the Colorado Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
5. Abbey Curran
Although Abbey Curran was born with cerebral palsy, she was determined from an early age not to allow the disorder to limit her.
Hailing from Illinois, US, Curran joined local beauty pageants, choosing to ignore the discouraging voices around her. Her persistence paid off when she was crowned Miss Iowa.
She later competed in the Miss USA pageant, and is believed to be the first person with cerebral palsy to do so.
Wanting to empower others, she started the “Miss You Can Do It” pageant for girls and women with special needs.
Read about a father’s devotion to his daughter, Nur Wadihan, who has cerebral palsy.