#CPChatNow Recap- 12-07-2016

Posted on December 14, 2016 by zacharyfenell

The first #CPChatNow was a special event with Handicap This' Tim Wambach, John W. Quinn, and Zachary Fenell. Your enthusiasm turned the chat into a weekly deal!

The first #CPChatNow happened back in 2013 during the first week of December.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 marked three years since the first #CPChatNow Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, grateful for you all. You turned a special event with Handicap This‘ Tim Wambach, John W. Quinn, and myself into a weekly chat. Thanks to your participation #CPChatNow blossomed into the awesome community we know today.

Ironically, I failed to acknowledge the three-year anniversary during the December 7th chat. My mind instead focused elsewhere. A subject we fittingly enough discussed later on in the evening. First though, the night started with a tease for our December focus chat.

While the minutes ticked away until the focus chat announcement, weather emerged as a popular topic.

Given the colder temperatures, dressing warmly remains paramount. So ready those long sleeve shirts, hoodies, hats, and scarves. If you need such apparel, checkout the #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale. The sale goes through Friday, December 23rd. Proceeds from the sale benefit the non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Devin showed off his new #CPChatNow long sleeve shirt.

Again you can shop the #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale until Friday, December 23rd. Order up your apparel soon!

Dialogue about weather and #CPChatNow apparel kept the night progressing. Eventually the time for the focus chat announcement arrived.

Since I am posting this recap last minute, that means our focus chat begins in mere minutes! Hopefully you can join us when we welcome Heaven Ramsey. In case you can’t, I recommend looking around Heaven’s Facebook page, A Stairway to the Stars: Heaven’s Journey with CP.

Confirming the Heaven Ramsey “Strength Through Community” focus chat stood one task personally keeping me busy. Another task accounts for me not mentioning our three-year anniversary amidst the December 7th chat. I spent the day preparing for a presentation I gave on Friday, December 9th. Now I bring up not to gloat, but because others took an interest in my presentation.

Seeking to provide a universal presentation about cerebral palsy and disabilities, I asked others for their insights.

Although I already made my presentation, I think people’s answers still could interest others. Therefore let us make the inquiry the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“When you were in second grade, what would you have wanted your peers to know about CP?”

Comment below with your response! Then make sure to check into Twitter at 8pm ET for our “Strength Through Community” focus chat with guest Heaven Ramsey.

Tweet you soon!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-30-2016

Posted on December 8, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Activity within our #CPChatNow community enjoyed the spotlight during the November 30th, 2016 Twitter chat. Although, we still discussed consequential cerebral palsy issues. Both subject types I, co-host Zachary Fenell, plan to highlight in the following recap.

First though, allow me to apologize for the delayed recap. Other timely tasks prevented me from completing this before our December 7th, 2016 chat. Expect to see that recap early next week. For now we concentrate on the happenings from November 30th.

The internal focus started with our December 2016 Google Hangout announcement.

In 2014 and 2015 we used the December Hangout as a year end reflection. The tradition returns this year. Think about our growth as a community and what you might want to see from us in the future.

2016 stands out arguably as our best year yet. #CPChatNow shirts going from idea to tangible product proving a main highlight. My co-host Blake Henry and I want to show that off too.

Besides showing off our shirts, the new promotional imagery will emphasize what makes the #CPChatNow community thrive. You! Please send me your photo via direct message on Twitter. Or, send in a message to the Facebook fan page.

Continuing on, the above dialogue branched off to discuss our current shirt sale.

As the aforementioned shows, our current sale offers many options. Make sure to visit the #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Winter Apparel sales page to checkout what you like best. The sale ends Friday, December 23rd. Remember shirt profits go to non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation.

Eventually the chatter expanded beyond announcements and #CPChatNow apparel. Shira Sadiky sparked the transition with an intriguing question.

How about we keep the answers coming? Let us make Shira’s question the day’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer “What are the worst and best times your body has treated you to?”

Leave your response in the “Comments” section below.

Thank you for reading and for your continued interest in #CPChatNow. I will return in the coming days with the recap for December 7th. Until then!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Maximizing Productivity Focus Chat

Posted on December 1, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Maximizing productivity stood #CPChatNow’s objective Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, back at long last with our weekly recaps. The day before Thanksgiving our own Hamda led us in a focus chat about maximizing productivity.

Hamda’s first question set the tone for an informed conversation. Informative dialogue begins with understanding the topic at hand. That requires defining key concepts.

Hamda Question 1 Name Edit

Perhaps the most precise definition came from Maysoon Zayid.

Hamda Question 1 Maysoon Answer Edit

Follow-up questions from Hamda allowed us to recognize varying factors which impact productivity levels. Different community members identified different factors. This created a comprehensive overview.

Hamda Question 3 Name Edit

Later in the evening Hamda asked a question relating cerebral palsy to maximizing productivity. Participants found various connections between the two.

Hamda Question 6 Name Edit

In general answers to Hamda’s questions revealed many insights into maximizing productivity. Her last question for the night directly invited participants to share their own productivity tips.

Hamda Question 8 Name Edit

Should we keep the advice coming? Let us designate Hamda’s last question as the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer “Do you have any productivity tip you would like to share?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. In addition to the advice shared in question eight answers, my co-host Blake Henry stimulated useful chatter. Specifically, Blake sought advice on performing a task you might not exactly want to perform.

Blake Stimulates Useful Dialogue Hamda Name Edit

Another question Blake asked involved naming obstacles to maximizing productivity.

Another Blake Question Hamda Name Edit

All in all our Twitter chat Wednesday, November 23rd proved a success. Hopefully today’s recap continues the trend. By reading you picked up some tips for maximizing your productivity. Remember to leave a tip too! Answer the extend-the-conversation question.

Answer the extend-the-conversation question in the “Comments” section.

“Do you have any productivity tip you would like to share?”

Comment below to respond. Thank you for reading and for your maintained interest in #CPChatNow.

Tweet you soon!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Update: Recaps, Shirts Back On Sale

Posted on November 24, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Hello, #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell reporting with an overdue update. After all, a month-plus passed since the last post to our home page. Maybe you wonder what happened to the weekly recaps. Or, curiosity eats you up about our other happenings. Time to quench your thirst for information!

What Happened to the Weekly Recaps?

In October a few concerns regarding the weekly recaps emerged. Addressing said feedback left the recaps temporarily suspended. That suspension now lifted.

Within our private Facebook group we agreed to type up the previously unwritten recap rules. You can check those out here. Each week at the chat’s start I will link to the rules, providing a weekly reminder. The goal involving ensuring #CPChatNow remains an environment people feel comfortable sharing in.

#CPChatNow Apparel Back for the Holiday Season!

Let #CPChatNow keep you warm throughout winter. Yes, another t-shirt sale launched last Friday. Additionally to t-shirts, you will find long sleeve shirts, hoodies, and more available! Take a look at your options- #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Winter Apparel Fundraiser.

Funds raised will again go to the non-profit Keep On Keeping On (KOKO) Foundation. Over the summer our #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Tank Tops sale raised $136.70 for KOKO. The following chart lists current sale prices, production costs, and proceeds going to KOKO.

Design wise all three options from the summer sale return. Unfortunately color restrictions makes Erin Diericx’s train design ineligible for embroider products (knit cap and fringed scarf). Still you should enjoy enough product and design combinations to satisfy.

Visit http://customcat.com/campaign/cpchatnowtshirtandwinterapparel by Friday, December 23rd to order. If you plan on giving #CPChatNow apparel as gifts, order ASAP. Obviously the sooner you order, the more likely you will receive your apparel by the holidays.

Community Thrives On Communication

Blake Henry and I strive to make our community exactly that, a community! Communication plays a vital role in such success. Hopefully you feel valued. Please contact Blake and me anytime with any thoughts or suggestions. You can direct message us separately or together on Twitter. Or, send a direct message to the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page.

Thanks for partaking in our community!

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Cerebral Palsy TV Focus Chat

Posted on October 17, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Many thanks to technology the cerebral palsy community continues growing stronger, a fact evident during our most recent focus chat. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to tell you about Cerebral Palsy TV’s (CPTV) visit to #CPChatNow. Reaching for the Stars (RFTS) Foundation board member and CPTV founder Brad Searle tweeted from the @CerebralPalsyTV handle. An early question helped us learn more about Brad.

Questions flowed in almost continuously, indicating many felt excited. Also curiosity regarding where to find CPTV remained present.

The dialogue soon turned to the content available on CPTV.

Please note Reaching for the Stars just launched CPTV in September 2016. So as time goes on, you can expect new content added. Actually the in-progress content library offered focus chat participants a unique opportunity. The chance to voice what they want to see on Cerebral Palsy TV!

what-do-you-want-to-see-on-cptv Perhaps you wish to voice your opinion, but you missed the chat. Worry not! The week’s extend-the-conversation question supplies you a second chance. Answer “What would you rather see on Cerebral Palsy TV? Inspiration? Support? True Life? Technology?”

Leave your response in the “Comments” section. Make sure to share any specific content recommendations with CPTV directly.

Get in touch with Brad via the Cerebral Palsy TV Twitter account or the Reaching for the Stars Facebook page. Recommend content and even inquire how you can assist. Follow the example set by members in our community.

All in all the Cerebral Palsy TV focus chat appeared beneficial for everyone who participated. I know Brad deemed the night a success. How do I know? Afterwards he went live on Facebook with these comments.

Personally, I found the night among the top highlights in my near three years co-hosting #CPChatNow. I truly believe CPTV can become a central resource for the cerebral palsy community. Watching ambitious members in our #CPChatNow community offer their help, filled me with great pride. #CPChatNow and CPTV both work to bring the CP community together. Coming together makes us all stronger. Remember to build on said strength by answering the extend-the-conversation question.

“What would you rather see on Cerebral Palsy TV? Inspiration? Support? True life? Technology?”

Respond in the “Comments” section below. For specific content recommendations contact Brad via the Cerebral Palsy TV Twitter page or Reaching for the Stars Facebook page.

Finally, thank you for making #CPChatNow an excellent community. We thrive thanks to you.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-05-2016

Posted on October 12, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Spirits remained high during #CPChatNow’s live Twitter chat Wednesday, October 5th, coincidentally also World Cerebral Palsy Day. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, prepared to compact all the enthusiasm down into the traditional weekly recap. #CPChatNow landing on World Cerebral Palsy Day set up a festive atmosphere.

Some participants chose to use our chat to live tweet Speechless. Although, they stayed thoughtful. Considering the show airs at later times in other areas, their dialogue avoided spoilers.

Prior to Speechless starting, I sought to stretch the night’s excitement to cover the entire month. First, came our October focus chat announcement.

If you possess questions about CPTV, please join us tonight. Anyone unfamiliar with CPTV should read our detailed announcement post. Repeating what I wrote in the announcement, personally I believe CPTV can become a central resource for the cerebral palsy community. While counting down the minutes to tonight, mark your calendars for the October 2016 Google Hangout.

Google Hangouts allow for face-to-face interaction via video chat. Contact my co-host Blake Henry or I about receiving an invite to the October Hangout. These video chats work similarly to our Twitter chats. Topics arise naturally.

One topic brought up during the Twitter chat October 5th involved writing a memoir.

Visit Lindsay’s blog to see what she plans to title her memoir. Then engage in your own creativity and answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What would you title your cerebral palsy memoir?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Finally, I wish to take a moment to thank everyone who contributes to our community. You enable #CPChatNow to thrive. As you can see our community makes a difference.

Again, thank you. Keep contributing too! Answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What would you title your cerebral palsy memoir?”

Respond below!

Tweet you later,

-Zachary

ANNOUNCEMENT: October 2016 Focus Chat Details

Posted on October 5, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Cerebral palsy causes challenges and uncertainties for those with the condition, plus their families. As #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host I, Zachary Fenell, fill with pride whenever someone says our community helped him or her. #CPChatNow remains amongst the growing tools available easing the aforementioned challenges and uncertainties. Another such tool our community will enjoy learning about very soon, Cerebral Palsy Television (CPTV).

Yes! You read that correctly. Now there exists a channel dedicated entirely to cerebral palsy. Reaching for the Stars (RFTS) created the video on demand resource. CPTV became available on Roku in September 2016. The channel will soon expand to Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV too. An exact time frame on those you could ask about yourself! Since I am pleased to announce RFTS board member Brad Searle will join us Wednesday, October 12^th for a focus chat on Cerebral Palsy Television!

Personally, I am psyched Brad will join us. CPTV possesses incredible potential. So many wonderful cerebral palsy resources remain out there. Yet finding them can prove hard. CPTV compiles together many. Suddenly there stands one central stop for cerebral palsy information.

A look around Cerebral Palsy Television leads you to information about equipment, robotics for therapy, and a lot more. I can easily imagine CPTV becoming a parent’s go-to source. Not to mention transform us with cerebral palsy into even better self-advocates!

Wednesday, October 12^th provides a fantastic chance for us in the #CPChatNow community to learn about CPTV. Coinciding we can voice our opinions, expressing what content we want added to Cerebral Palsy Television. What a win-win!

Prepare for October 12^th by checking out CPTV on Roku. Go through the content currently there. Jot down notes on whatever grabs your attention. Then ready your questions for Reaching for the Stars’ Brad Searle. Or if unable to view CPTV, read Brad’s story on the World CP Day website.

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-28-2016

Posted on October 2, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, September 28th chat regulars looked to #CPChatNow for a needed escape. I, co-host Zachary Fenell, among them. Allow me to fill you in on the details via this week’s recap.

Greetings set the tone early.

As I noted in the recap’s introduction, I too sought an escape through #CPChatNow. Although rather than a bad day, I desired freedom from fatigue.

My co-host Blake Henry also sounded like he could use a break.

Various topics emerged to distract from the tough days, tiredness, and never ending responsibilities. Naturally around 8:30pm ET conversation turned to the sitcom Speechless.

Only two episodes into Speechless and #CPChatNow community members already connect with the characters! One character in-particular seems to resonate more than the others.

Given news broke Thursday ABC picked up Speechless for a full season, obviously the love affair with the show transcends #CPChatNow. Make arrangements to watch both the show and participate in our chat. Determine the best plan for you, whether that means multi-tasking or recording Speechless to watch later.

Anyone who relates to the sitcom should enjoy the real life connections #CPChatNow offers. We discuss important issues. For instance, September 28th discussion eventually transitioned to pharmacy errors.

Read the article which led to the subject, “Boy given ten times as much medicine prescribed in pharmacy error.” During the dialogue chat regular Hannah Pike pinpointed another pharmacy error to double check against.

Thanks to a fun hypothetical, the chat ended on a creative note.

“These Spastic Chains,” “An Ordinary Fighter,” and “Invested in Love” only begins to showcase the creativity possessed by our #CPChatNow community. Show off your originality by answering the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“If you wrote a song about life with cerebral palsy, what would the name of the song be?”

Reply by commenting in the “Comments” section below. I am sure your answer will rock!

Tweet you soon,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-21-2016

Posted on September 23, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Anticipation remained high Wednesday, September 21st. Hi! I am Zachary Fenell back behind the keyboard. As #CPChatNow co-host I wish I could credit all the bursting excitement to our Twitter chat. However, the premiering Speechless deserves some dues.

Speechless stars Micah Fowler, a young actor with cerebral palsy. The show follows his character JJ and his family the Dimeos as they live life and deal with JJ’s CP. This includes JJ’s siblings Ray Dimeo (Mason Cook) and Dylan Dimeo (Kyla Kenedy). Each family member receives fitting screen time, at least in the pilot episode.

Anyways, I am not here to critique Speechless. Rather I am tasked to recap our latest Twitter chat. I mention the show because early on conversation centered on the subject.

While anticipation for Speechless remained high, we managed to discuss other topics. Community regular Hannah Pike shared a photo which escalated the dialogue.

Half an hour into the chat the conversation returned to Speechless.

The Speechless analysis purposefully stayed general in an effort to prevent spoiling for regions with later air times. For those who watched the pilot, answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you plan to watch Speechless weekly?”

Leave your reply via a comment in the “Comments” section. First though, continue reading the recap. In our second hour I posed a question which triggered chatter.

Most people displayed a curiosity in how cerebral palsy impacts the aging process. One certainty with aging involves seeking advice and emotional support. Items #CPChatNow can provide.

If need advice on life with cerebral palsy, join our Twitter chat Wednesdays, 8pm ET. Or, checkout the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page. Message us so we can discuss posting your question to the Facebook page.

Now before you go remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question. “Do you plan to watch Speechless weekly?”

Respond by commenting below. Talk with you later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Collectibles Focus Chat

Posted on September 16, 2016 by zacharyfenell

On Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 we in the #CPChatNow community gathered on Twitter for a focus chat about collectibles. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to compile highlights into your weekly recap. Enjoy!

#CPChatNow focus chats mainly fall into two categories. External focus chats feature a guest outside the community. For example, Danielle Kerani who led our August mental health focus chat.

Meanwhile internal focus chats promote the expertise within our own community. Personally, I love the concept. Everyone possesses expertise on some subject. Internal focus chats recognizes said knowledge.

For September our very own Jen led a chat on collectibles. Jen’s experience and passion for collecting gives her all the credentials needed to lead the chat. To begin she asked what people collect.

Like Jen, a couple people incorporated pictures into their answers.

Altogether answers showed great range in interests.

One participant specifically, Alena, turned a cerebral palsy issue into motive to start her collection.

Your turn to contribute to the conversation! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you collect?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Alena’s response foreshadowed Jen’s third question.

Most people found no correlation. In fact only I deemed my collections helpful.

The second part to my response raised an issue Jen’s fifth question addressed.

This time everyone’s answers proved similar.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What do you collect?"

Keep the dialogue going! Answer, “What do you collect?”

In addition to the week’s extend-the-conversation question, feel free to answer the other questions highlighted above. Remember the official extend-the-conversation question asks “What do you collect?”

As always, answer by commenting below.

Until next time,

-Zachary

P.S. If you hold interest in leading a focus chat, please contact my co-host Blake Henry and I to discuss details.

#CPChatNow

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!

Author Archives: zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-07-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-30-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- Maximizing Productivity Focus Chat

#CPChatNow Update: Recaps, Shirts Back On Sale

What Happened to the Weekly Recaps?

#CPChatNow Apparel Back for the Holiday Season!

Community Thrives On Communication

#CPChatNow Recap- Cerebral Palsy TV Focus Chat

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-05-2016

ANNOUNCEMENT: October 2016 Focus Chat Details

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-28-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-21-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- Collectibles Focus Chat