Monthly Archives: May 2022

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-11-2022

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Each Wednesday participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gather to enjoy dialogue and community. Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 proved no different. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. All aboard for your weekly recap!

Personally, my co-host Devin Axtman helped to kick the night off on a positive note for me.

Devin offers Zachary feedback on Zachary's new book Slow and Cerebral.

The positivity generated from Devin giving me feedback on my new book Slow and Cerebral. Specifically, Devin commented, “It’s such a good read!” Intrigued by the discussion, Stephen wanted to know where you can get a copy. Slow and Cerebral is available on Amazon in the United States, as well as internationally in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. I mention those countries because our community includes participants living there.

Slow and Cerebral is a memoir about accomplishing the “unreasonable.” For me, that meant not letting my cerebral palsy stop me from becoming a marathoner. An accomplishment only made possible by facing challenges. Fittingly, as the chat continued, we discussed challenges.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the challenges they face due to their disabilities.

Initiating the challenges discussion, I asked participants, “What do you find most challenging about having cerebral palsy (or whatever disability you have)? How do you handle this challenge?” Answers varied. For instance, Chris mentioned as a CP based challenge, how much her spasticity varies day to day. To handle this Chris stretches, uses heat, trigger point release, and massages her sore spots.

Meanwhile AcquiDis replied, “Living with and doing well with a medically acquired disability.” AcquiDis continued, noting doing well with a medically acquired disability, “is a contradiction to that which is expected for this condition throughout history.” Adding, “It (cerebral palsy) is often ‘feared’ and misunderstood because of its difference.”

AcquiDis’s sentiments resonated with me. I suggested that fears and misunderstandings about cerebral palsy are based off misconceptions and stereotypes. What do you think? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you think causes people to be fearful and misunderstanding of disabilities?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What do you think causes people to be fearful and misunderstanding of disabilities?"
Answer in the “Comments.”

To let us end on a positive note, also add “How could we help dispel the fear and misunderstanding surrounding disability?” Leave your ideas in the “Comments.”

Afterwards, mark your calendar for #CPChatNow. Our Twitter chat happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

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#CPChatNow Recap- 5/4/22

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The first week of May in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed about honoring their family, Zach’s new book, shoes and CP, and exercises and CP. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. Hop on the recap train, all aboard!

First, I want to recognize and honor Hannah’s dad’s memory. Hannah is a valued member of #CPChatNow and one of the toughest people I know. We love you Hannah!

hannah tweeted she is sad because it is 2 years since her dad died, the tweet includes pictures of her dad, her dog, and a picture of hannah

zach tweets that 2 years is hard to believe and it seems like it's just months ago since he was enjoying cone in bill's car and it took awhile to realize both their dads were named bill. he also tweeted he loves the photos of his dad and the smile captures his personality beautifully

Next, I would love to promote Zach’s book on his journey to becoming a marathoner with CP, Slow and Cerebral. You can find it here.

i tweet my excitement about getting zach's book, there is an image of his book slow and cerebral

Next, Stephen asked about a common annoyance for people with CP, shoes. Stephen asked people how many shoes they go through in a given year. Alessandro also shared his Air Jordan collection.

stephen asked how many pairs of shoes people get in a year, veronica said one every 3 or 4 years because she hates shopping, i tweet that i have one pair of old man velcro shoes that lasts 2-3 years, zach tweets he has one pair per season, alessandro says he has too many because he collects Jordan's

Finally, members discussed another common topic with CP, CP friendly exercises. Veronica also shared a tremendous link with some resources.

i ask how people learn cp friendly exercises, zach tweets he learned them in PT, but he has learned some online, veronica also tweets pt and thomas tweeted about swimming and pt

This brings us to the week’s Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite exercise to help your CP?

extend-the-conversation question graphic "What is your favorite exercise to help with you CP? Multicolored #CPChatNow logo in upper right hand corner with image of a man doing stretches

Thanks for joining us on this week’s recap and join us tomorrow and every Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-27-2022

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Accomplishment remained a key theme during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come and join me for your weekly recap.

The accomplishment theme began with members in our community helping me celebrate an achievement.

Participants in #CPChatNow congratulate Zachary on the release of his new book Slow and Cerebral.

My achievement I teased in the chat’s opening minutes, saying “I’ve had an exciting week.” Although, Blemi and Veronica had already seen the news. They both sent congratulatory messages my way. For those who had not seen my news, I quickly shared the reason for my excitement.

Zachary announces his new book, Slow and Cerebral, is now available.

Prior to April 27th I announced through my social media outlets that I had released my new memoir, Slow and Cerebral. The book details how I did not let my CP stop me from becoming a marathoner. Thanks to Amazon, Slow and Cerebral is available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.

Thank you for tolerating my cheap plug. Now let me resume recapping the April 27th chat. Stephen kept the conversation focused on accomplishments by asking a question.

#CPChatNow participants answer Stephen's question, "Do you think that when you have something that able people have that is a big accomplishment?"

Specifically, Stephen asked, “Do you think that when you have something that able people have that is a big accomplishment?” I answered, offering my opinion on accomplishments. In my opinion, “Big accomplishments should be measured in context with the person achieving them, not in comparison to who else has accomplished the same thing.”

Additionally, my co-host Devin Axtman responded to Stephen’s question. Devin said, “Depends on what it is.” Chris would share similar sentiments.

Chris gives her insights on accomplishments and how they can be perceived as inspiring.

As Chris noted, “There are things that are universally big accomplishments.” She continued, correlating how feats achieved by people with disabilities get praised as “inspiring.” Nonetheless, Chris specified “But getting up and going to work or having a relationship… Those things are not inspiring, because they are expected.”

Said discussion progressed to highlight how setting goals to coincide with societal expectations could end up damaging. Let us stay positive though, and keep the conversation going by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?"
Answer in the “Comments.”

After answering, make sure to mark your calendar for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary