Author Archives: zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-21-2024

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Opportunity for conversation with others who understand living with cerebral palsy (CP) exists on X, every Wednesday, via the chat #CPChatNow. For example, relive with me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, the discussion from August 21st, 2024. Just keep reading.

One experience you will likely encounter living with CP involves others making offhand comments.

Zachary talks about a remark he received at work about how he walks.

Particularly, I recalled a comment I received at work the previous day. As I shared, “I was walking something out to somebody’s car. Seeing my gait, she said, ‘I have trouble walking too.'” I did not respond to the comment, but reflected in our discussion, “I thought to myself, I don’t have trouble walking. This is just how I walk.”

My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “That’s interesting. I would say I have a problem walking in the typical way, but it works for me.”

While Devin and I continued our dialogue, I acknowledged, “I know I walk different and that’s my walk. It’s not me having trouble walking though because I’m not trying to walk in the typical fashion.”

Anyway, moving on with the recap, I asked the chat about advocacy.

#CPChatNow participants answer what advocating looks like to them.

Specifically, I asked, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?”

Devin answered, “Could be different in different scenarios, but to mean it means stating what you believe.” What about you, though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?” Leave your reply in the “Comments.”

Now getting back to recapping the August 21st, 2024 chat, I explained why advocacy remained on my mind.

Devin and Zachary discuss resilience.

Regarding the subject, I said, “The advocacy topic came to mind because I was interviewed for a podcast last week (Champions of Resilience hosted by Olympian Amy Gamble) and I feel I could have answered the question of advocacy better.”

Meanwhile the podcast name caught Devin’s attention, as he commented, “I wish people focused on resilience more. I try to pride myself on that. Doesn’t always work, but I believe life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you react.”

Do your part to react to the extend-the-conversation question by answering, “What does ‘advocating’ look like to you?” Answer below!

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What does 'advocating' look like to you?"

Afterwards set a reminder to join us each Wednesday on X. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-07-2024

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Individuals in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on X every Wednesday for the live chat #CPChatNow. To tell you about the discussion from Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come join me for your weekly recap! Or, should I say our weekly recap?

Devin arrives for the August 7th, 2024 #CPChatNow.

Making the distinction to say ours seems important since I missed the week’s chat too. Earlier that day I informed my co-host Devin Axtman I would miss out on the night’s conversation due to severe storms causing a major power outage in my area. Nonetheless, the conversation went on.

#CPChatNow participants discuss what they would like to accomplish in August.

The dialogue started flowing when Devin asked participants what they would like to accomplish in August. Hannah responded talking about her upcoming birthday, noting, “I guess that’s an accomplishment in a way.”

Providing reassurance to Hannah, Devin replied, “Another year always is!” Similar to Hannah, Jen’s answer revolved around celebrating another birthday. Specifically, Jen answered, “To end my 30s on a good note.”

Elsewhere in the chat Devin mentioned an era ending.

Devin celebrates getting his new wheelchair!

That era references Devin’s time in his old wheelchair, as Devin shared, “I got a new wheelchair!” In his post, Devin would also go on to address a subject discussed in past chats, naming your mobility devices. Revealing the name for his new wheelchair, “So far his name is Rolls Royce.”

What about you though? Do you name your mobility devices? Let us know and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What name did you give your mobility device?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET. If you do not know how to participate in a X chat, the following video I made back in 2022 might help.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What name did you give your mobility device?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-17-2024

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Those who participated in the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow July 17th, 2024 enjoyed a friendly discussion. Here to provide some highlights from the evening, I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap!

Throughout the years regulars in our community formed bonds by sharing their experiences with cerebral palsy and discovering common interests beyond CP. Both remained apparent during the conversation July 17th, 2024.

As participants in #CPChatNow discuss baseball, conversation turns to an issue a number of people in the CP community face, transportation.

Major League Baseball provided one such interest helpful solidifying our connections. Therefore, I asked our Texas based regulars about any All-Star game festivities in their area. Jen answered, “If there were I didn’t pay attention (it all would’ve been in Arlington which is about an hr away from me).”

Responding, I said, “I know Texas is a big state so one hour away isn’t too far away.” However, I added a disclaimer, “15 minutes can be a long way away if you don’t have the transportation.”

Jen agreed, saying, “True” and commenting on the public transportation in her area. Specifically, Jen noted, “The rail/bus line is mostly confined to Dallas proper.”

What about your area though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How would you describe the public transportation in your area?” Answer in the “Comments” section.

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "How would you describe the public transportation in your area?"

Another topic discussed July 17th, 2024 involved celebrities.

#CPChatNow participants talk about their favorite celebrities.

Celebrities came to the conversation’s forefront when I asked the chat, “Do you have a favorite celebrity? If so, who is it?”

My co-host Devin Axtman answered by asking, “Does Charles Barkley count?”

Meanwhile Veronica named “Jonathan Frakes” as her favorite celebrity, recounting, “I’ve seen him a couple times at conventions.” On the other hand, Jen mentioned not having a favorite celebrity, but favorite characters from different shows.

To join in on these fun and friendly conversations, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET. In the meantime, make sure to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How would you describe the public transportation in your area?” Respond below!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-10-2024

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Every Wednesday individuals in the cerebral palsy (CP) community hop on X to participate in the weekly chat #CPChatNow. Communal vibes remained strong Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 as participants shared news and offered one another support. To delve into the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Early in the night my co-host Devin Axtman shared some news which provoked different emotions.

Devin shares news he is getting a new wheelchair in August.

Devin posted, “I get my new wheelchair August 2nd. About 4 months after I started the process.” Excited for Devin, Jen responded, “That’s awesome.”

Meanwhile, I expressed frustration by commenting, “About time I guess.” My frustration rooted in thinking getting a new wheelchair should not take so long. Admittedly though, some tasks do take time. Tasks you could refer to as long-term goals. A subject I would bring up that evening.

#CPChatNow participants show a sense of community as they discuss long-term goals.

Curious, I asked the chat, “What is a long-term goal you are currently working towards?” Jen replied in-part, “I guess try to get out of a long dark funk.”

Devin responded to Jen with encouragement, saying, “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that goal.” I compounded the support, adding “That is actually a great goal. A good goal focuses on improving yourself and that certainly is a way to improve yourself.”

How about we continue to focus on good goals and keep the conversation going? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is a long-term goal you are currently working towards?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is a long-term goal you are currently working towards?"

Answer below! Afterwards, set a reminder to join our community each and every Wednesday on X. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-03-2024

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Every Wednesday people in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on X for the weekly chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the discussion from Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come aboard and join me for your weekly recap.

As participants welcomed in the new month, chatter turned to calendar orientated occasions. A holiday like July Fourth, but also more.

#CPChatNow participants discuss July being Disability Pride Month.

That more included Disability Pride Month. Curious, I asked the chat how much they know about Disability Pride Month. My co-host Devin Axtman admitted, “Well, I didn’t know it was Disability Pride Month to start. I know about the (Disability Pride) flag though.”

Meanwhile Veronica shared a Cerebral Palsy Alliance graphic explaining, “Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July as a result of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law on July 26, 1990. It celebrates inclusion and the experiences of all disabled people.”

Delving further into specifics I referenced a post I read from The Arc, “Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month.” Information from the post led me to pose a question to our community.

The #CPChatNow community discusses the 2024 theme for Disability Pride Month, "We want a life like yours."

In-particular I highlighted from The Arc post the 2024 theme for Disability Pride Month, “We want a life like yours.” As The Arc notes, the theme “reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied.” Playing off that, I asked, “What experiences have you been denied due to CP?”

Veronica responded, “I was denied a letter for sports. My youngest got one for academic excellence. I wish my high school had that option.” Sports ended up proving a common theme as both Devin and I mentioned not getting the chance to play sports like we wanted. How about you though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What experiences have you been denied due to CP?”

Answer below in the “Comments” section. Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What experiences have you been denied due to CP?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-19-2024

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Participants in the cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow spent time on their 2024 Juneteenth holiday talking to each other. To delve into the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. So, go pop some popcorn, grab your preferred beverage, and get ready to enjoy your weekly recap!

If the above popcorn and beverage line makes you think about going to movies, then I accomplished my mission. Going to the movies remained a main focus Wednesday, June 19th. My co-host Devin Axtman brought up the topic when he checked in for the evening.

#CPChatNow co-host Devin Axtman sparks the movie discussion.

Devin revealed he was going to see Inside Out 2 that night. Those in the chat responded in various ways. Hannah encouraging Devin to “Let us know what you think.” Meanwhile Jen replied, “Hope you have a great time.”

As the dialogue continued, focus shifted to the last movie everyone saw in theaters.

Hannah and Zachary discuss going to movies as a great friend activity.

Personally, I shared the last movie I saw in theaters was Dune 2. I went with a friend even though I had not seen the first Dune. Like I explained during the discussion, “Movies to me are more about time with friends.” Regarding the friend I saw Dune 2 with, I noted, “A friend who has done a half marathon and several other races with me. So, of course I’m like sure I can go see this movie.”

My remarks about seeing movies more as an activity to do with friends also resonated with Hannah, who commented, “I feel like it’s an equal opportunity experience because I don’t have to try to keep up with everyone. We’re all just relaxing.” Sentiments I recalled Mike Berkson from Handicap This expressing years ago. Inviting participants to travel further back, I asked another question.

#CPChatNow participants remember the first movies they ever saw in theaters.

I asked, “Do you remember what the first movie you ever saw in theaters was?” Devin answered Lion King. However, he did provide the disclaimer, “Or maybe that was the first one I remember.”

Additionally Jen showed memory fuzziness saying, “Batman in 89 or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 90.” Other responses included Hannah recalling seeing Titanic with her parents and me naming the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies as one of the first movies I saw in theaters.

How about you though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What was the first movie you ever saw in theaters?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What was the first movie you ever saw in theaters?"

Respond below in the “Comments.” Afterwards, set a reminder to join us every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-05-2024

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For participants in the live cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow, Wednesday evenings mean engaging and thoughtful conversation. The chat provided exactly that Wednesday, June 5th, 2024. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Much chatter from the night revolved around lifelong friendships.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss keys for maintaining friendships.

Personally, friendship pre-occupied my mind after I spent time reflecting on the now closed Notre Dame College (NDC). As my college alma mater, NDC holds a special place in my heart. I shared a collage combining photos from my college days and photos taken since, whether at alumni events or races I completed alongside fellow Falcons. In addition to the collage, I asked participants what they consider keys for maintaining friendships.

Veronica replied, “Helping each other out and celebrating everyone’s success.” Continuing, Veronica added, “Being there through the hard times as well.” The latter had remained on display earlier in the evening June 5th.

Both Hannah and I offered support for each other. Hannah joined the chat sore, getting a bunch of fillings earlier in the day. I responded to Hannah, echoing a phrase she has used in the past, “One minute, one hour, one day at a time.”

Meanwhile I admitted to the bittersweet emotions I felt over my college alma mater closing. Hannah actively listened and summarized my sentiments by saying, “‘One of those don’t cry because it’s over(.) Smile because it happened’ scenarios.”

How about you though? For the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Tell us about a time a friend was there for you during a hard time.” Share your story in the comments.

For the week's extend-the-conversation question, tell us about a time a friend was there for you during a hard time.

Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. Participate enough and you will find yourself building new lifelong friendships. The chats begin at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-22-2024

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Wednesday after Wednesday people gather on X for the live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the discussion from Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Starting the conversation on a fun note, I shared a clip of me doing karaoke from the previous weekend.

The video would go on to spark much dialogue throughout the night.

Karaoke conversation leads to discussion about asking for help and much more!

Initially, Veronica and I discussed the intricacies involved with karaoke. My co-host Devin Axtman added another layer to the chatter when he commented, “I wouldn’t have the guts to even sing so good on you!”

In response, I mentioned, “Honestly, I find saying ‘I need help getting up and down the stairs’ (to the stage) more nerving than the actual karaoke.” This led to talk about asking for help. As I stated, “Too frequently asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness, but it really is a strength, showing self-awareness and honesty with oneself.”

Devin related, saying “I used to worry about asking for help, but it doesn’t bother me now. Maybe it’s an age thing.” Devin’s age theory makes sense to me since aging gives you experience and experience creates better perspective.

What do you think though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

First, let us continue with our recap. Besides asking for help, the karaoke dialogue evolved into conversation about courageous actions.

#CPChatNow participants discuss something courageous they have either done or want to try to do.

Specifically, I asked the chat, “What is something courageous you have either done or want to try?” Veronica revealed facing a fear multiple individuals in our community possess, the dreaded escalator! Veronica recalled, “I rode up an escalator by myself. It was over 10 years ago when I was traveling alone and there was a lot of construction in the terminal and I couldn’t find the elevators.”

Meanwhile Devin answered, saying, “Dating.” Adding, “So glad that’s over haha.” A whole new dimension comes into play if you factor dating in with the prior discussion about asking for help. Regarding the latter, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you feel about asking for help?"

Respond below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-01-2024

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Different subjects came and went during the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) cerebral palsy (CP) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. If you missed the discussion, do not worry! I, #CPChatNow co-host, Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you with your recap. Shall we get started?

Early in the evening my co-host Devin Axtman sent out congratulations to a previous chat co-host.

Congratulations to previous chat co-host Blake Henry on his recent engagement.

Devin congratulated Blake Henry on his recent engagement. The exciting news Blake had shared on Instagram. Through keeping in touch on multiple platforms, the connections made in our community transcend our weekly chats. In the process, expanding our support system. A good support system helps nurture other benefits. For example, self-confidence.

Devin and Zachary discuss self-confidence.

Self-confidence surfaced as a topic for discussion when I asked the chat, “What helps you fuel your self-confidence?” Within Devin’s reply he mentioned his support system, saying, “(I) remind myself people have confidence in me.”

Regarding other people showing confidence in you I said, “I find the last part kind of builds into itself. Other people have confidence in you which gives you confidence and as a result more people end up having confidence in you.”

As the self-confidence dialogue progressed, Devin named an element vital to self-confidence, “You have to love yourself. Part of that is not comparing yourself to others.”

In my opinion, an important pillar for learning to love yourself stems from positive representation in media, whether the news, TV shows, or books. In relation to disability and children’s books, I sought recommendations, asking “Do you have any recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities.

The subject lingered in my mind after coming across I Am Extraordinary by Stephen Curry at work. Summarizing my thoughts on the book, I said, “The overall message is great (pretty much don’t blend in. Blend out!) However, there are a couple portions that feel too ‘inspirational porn’ like.”

Beyond I Am Extraordinary, Veronica named the children’s series, The Abilities in Me. Each book in the series explores a different disability, such as ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. Your turn now! Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?"

Answer below! Afterwards mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-24-2024

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Every Wednesday folks gather on X (formerly Twitter) for the live cerebral palsy (CP) chat, #CPChatNow. Here to provide highlights from the April 24th, 2024 chat, I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready for your weekly recap!

The power community offers remained on display early in the evening.

Stephen explains how #CPChatNow has empowered him.

Chat regular Stephen shared, “Thanks to #cpchatnow I can say what I want to say.” When I expressed an interest in learning more about his comment, Stephen explained, “It was I can say whatever I want and I know yall will understand.”

Elsewhere in the night’s discussion, understanding showed with participants chatting about how cerebral palsy can impact going to a concert. The dialogue eventually led to a concert-related question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their favorite venues for seeing concerts.

I asked participants what their favorite venues for seeing concerts are. My co-host Devin Axtman and I both named outdoor venues in our respective areas. Regarding outside concerts, I commented, “Part of a outside concert’s charm is weather. Weather influences the atmosphere of a show. I’ve been to concerts where it down poured for a portion of the show and it only made the concert that much more memorable.”

While rain can help make an outside concert more memorable, I occasionally feel I need something to make all tasks on my to-do list memorable. Therefore, I asked a question.

#CPChatNow participants share their tactics for staying organized.

Seeking ideas, I asked, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Stephen said, “My memory.” Quite impressive, at least in my opinion.

Meanwhile Devin answered, “notes app on my phone. Memory a bit too but that’s not working as well.” What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Reply in the comments.

However, first mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?"