The weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow lives! Or, for accuracy I, co-host Zachary Fenell, should say thrives! Yes. Despite the lull in recaps throughout November, our community has been going strong. Do not simply take my word though. Let me show you by recapping our chat from Wednesday, November 24th, 2021.

Enthusiastic newcomer Stephen has helped our community garner a thriving atmosphere.

Stephen learned about our chat from long-time #CPChatNow regular and “Life with Blemi” Youtube personality Blemi. In the few weeks since joining our family Stephen has grown thankful for our community, saying “I look forward to this every week.” Sentiments Stephen shared after asking participants what they are thankful for.

Other answers included Blemi saying she is thankful for everything she currently has. Plus, my co-host Devin Axtman said he is thankful for finally being married after COVID postponed his wedding in 2020. Marriage and relationships in general would continue as a discussion topic.

Both Devin and Blemi offered Stephen dating wisdom. Devin noting that although meeting someone is tough, it is possible. Touting as evidence the fact multiple people in our community are married or are in relationships. Bottom line, Devin advised “Try and have fun!”

Meanwhile Blemi provided similar advice. Seconding how dating is tough and can seem even harder with cerebral palsy. Nonetheless, you could still find someone. She recommended keeping an “open mind and putting yourself out there.”

Participants’ open minds remained apparent throughout the night November 24th. In addition to dating and what we are thankful for, various topics arose.

Amongst the assorted topics, Blemi asked if anyone has sleep apnea. A question spurred by a doctor telling her sleep apnea is very common in the CP community. News to many in the chat! Long-time chat regular Jen and I each responded negatively, at least stipulating we do not think so. What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question “Do you have sleep apnea?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Maybe your reaction to the sleep apnea-cerebral palsy news echoes Sean who stated “Is it?! That would explain a few things…” However you reacted, do not let the news cause you to fall over in surprise. Anyway, speaking of falling,

After watching my co-worker fall and hurt herself earlier in the week, I asked the chat if anyone else finds seeing others fall to be unsettling. This diverged into further dialogue about reactions when we ourselves fall. Sean mentioning his mother’s reaction to when she hears a thud. She yells “Scream or bang on something if you need me.” Otherwise, she resumes whatever she was doing.

A similar reaction to how the people in Blemi’s life respond. Blemi sharing those close to her will just carry on when she falls. Unless Blemi starts laughing. The laughter an indicator she hurt herself.

Now, we all know better then to tell someone “Don’t fall.” Nevertheless, let me suggest avoiding falling in with a forgetful crowd. Instead, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you have sleep apnea?”

Answer below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET. In the meantime I will return within the week to recap our chat from Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary