#CPChatNow was especially fantastic last week!  Longtime member, Rachel Folly, led a focus chat on the past year in members’ lives and developments for adults with CP.

For her first question, Rachel asked if members had any CP related goals for the year and how they went.  Zach and Linds talked about blogging: 

Zach said he has accomplished a goal of increasing his reverse crunches:

Rachel then asked members about how their CP has changed as they have aged and what they are doing in response.  Linds mentioned exercising by doing things like Zumba:

Zach and I talked about increased back pain.  Zach combats this by strategically placed pillows:

Jen mentioned that she experiences pain, but sometimes feels guilty because it is moderate. Rachel tweeted that everyone’s CP is unique.

The next question revolved around what members saw in the media about adults with CP in the past year and how it impacted them.  Members largely answered with the story of an adult with CP being assaulted at a gas station. Additionally stories mentioning Zach and another person with CP completing a marathon arose.

Rachel then asked what members would like to see change regarding CP next year.  Members talked about a need for medical professionals to learn how to better manage CP:

Linds tweeted about wanting to continue to educate others that people with CP are first and foremost human, like anyone else.

Rachel’s final question asked what members do to stay upbeat and focused on the long term.  Linds stated she will do what she wants despite her health conditions:

Yasmin talked about the power of music and other activities in her life:

This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question.  As we move past CP Awareness Month, what are your goals for the upcoming year in regards to CP?   Please share your answers in the comments!

Thanks for following along and tweet you later!

-Devin