I guess I'll finally introduce myself...

[m!ssemmx0]

I've lurked here pretty much ever since I joined, and I never really gave a "real" introduction. So, here goes...

I'm Emily, and I'm 15. I've only been to WDW once (sadly), in October 2007. I have "moderate/mild" CP (or, at least that's what it says on my IEP). I use a walker at school and pretty much any other public place, but I can walk on my own. I wear AFOs most of the time, and I have no rotation in my left wrist. My left hand is also weaker than the other one, but just slightly. I've had about 8 to 10 surgeries since I was born, but the most recent one was in 2002. I'm a high school sophomore who's obsessed with The Beatles and Harry Potter (and reading in general). I don't really make that big of a deal about being "special needs"...when people say I'm a hero, or that I'm "different", I want to ask why. I'm really not that different than most people my age (just ask my mom!)...using a walker, etc. is just life for me, and it doesn't make me who I am. I've been told I'm extremely likable and friendly...rumor has it I'm smart too (which a lot of people don't realize when they first meet me). I want to teach English when I get older (I love books!)

So, I'm no longer lurking! Yay!

 

[HARVEYSGIRL]

Very nice to meet you! I have a son who is 9 and autistic, so I am on here quite alot. There are some really great folks on here. I am so glad that I found The Dis!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome, Emily.
Glad you came out of lurkdom.

My youngest daughter has cerebral palsy - moderate to severe. She used to use a walker, but she was very unsteady, so it was not safe for her to use it any more. She uses a power wheelchair when she’s out and a manual wheelchair mostly in the house. She’s used a wheelchair since she was 3, so she just sees it as a part of herself.

 

[goofy4mykids]

Welcome Emily, I'm Kim I have a 10 yr old son with aspergers and I alos have some issues due to Brain surgery in 06. I lurk the boards alot soaking up all the info and I love to Disney Dream

 

[Karalynn]

Well Hello Emily!! What a great intro! I have a daughter who will be 10 in 3 weeks (how does the time go by so fast?) who has moderate CP. Spastic quadriplegia to be more specific, we took her and my son to Disney back in 2006. She LOVED it! Well, we all did! It was really really nice to go somewhere so fun that was so accessible. I am trying my hardest to get us back there!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Welcome to our clan! Nice to hear of a kid that still enjoys reading (because I'm so old at 23!)

 

[KirstenB]

Emily, welcome, it's nice to have you here.

 

[maroo]

Hi Emily!

I wish you could meet Lauren! Sounds like you guys would get along swimmingly! (She is pictured below from her wish trip dressed up as Tinkerbell.)

Lauren has an official diagnosis of CP, but it is most likely something else, some sort of genetic defect or something. What she has is a lot more progressive.

She now uses a power wheelchair full time and can't sit or stand on her own. She used to be able to write and type a lot, but that movement is restricted at this point, too.

But she has an attitude a lot like you...a hero, in my opinion!

Feel free to PM me and I can get messages to her!

 

[cm8]

Hi Emily and welcome aboard the DIS!!!!

 

[hildarumpole]

Hi Emily! Nice to meet you. You and my DS15 have a lot in common. He LOVES the Beatles. He fancies himself Wii Master of the Beatles Rock Band. It's wonderful you are interested in becoming a teacher. I hope you'll be able to get back to DisneyWorld in the near future. There are some exciting changes coming.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Welcome Emily,

You are so avante garde to like the beatles and that is a good thing! You have already proven you have good taste.

Glad you have introduced yourself and to have you in this forum.