Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-31-2016

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Current events sparked much dialogue during our August 31st, 2016 live Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell and you can probably guess why I am here. Yes, to bring you our weekly recap!

As I previously mentioned many conversations Wednesday evening revolved around current events. For example, the UK soap opera Emmderdale caused controversy recently.

The #CPChatNow community reacts to the recent Emmerdale controversy.Obviously I would not advise forming an opinion without reading the actual story. So here you go- “Emmerdale viewers boycott soap for airing disgusting comments about…”

#CPChatNow’s international presence came into play with the Emmerdale discussion. Chat frequenter and UK resident Yasmin contributed a knowledgeable opinion, like the above screen shot shows.

Another chat regular Devin brought up a current event a little closer to where most participants call home.

The #CPChatNow community discusses another current event, this one with a Florida State football player.Again, I imagine you want a live link to the news story. “A Florida State football player made sure a boy with autism didn’t eat lunch…” Personally intrigued by the story Devin shared, I asked a follow-up question.

Did you ever eat lunch alone? Did you care?Honestly, my inquiry did not stimulate the dialogue like I expected. Maybe other talk overshadowed the question. Time to find out. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Did you ever eat alone? Did you care?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Resuming recap mode, the current events orientated discussion transitioned from news stories to events in our own lives. The announcement for our September 2016 focus chat unofficially initiated the transition.

On Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 #CPChatNow's own Jen will lead a focus chat on collectibles.Make sure you mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 14th. Prepare to share what you collect. Perhaps you will even discover a cerebral palsy connection.

Cerebral palsy played a role in an interaction regular Erin dealt with earlier in the day. A mother approached Erin to tell her about the mother’s son with cerebral palsy. The encounter raised questions regarding expectations.

An interaction one #CPChatNow participant experienced earlier in the day raised dialogue about expectations. Often for me such conversations come while I train for my half marathon. I hope though, through participating in different races I am making cerebral palsy more visible. Lake View Cemetery, where I completed my most recent 5k, mentioned me in their latest newsletter for instance.

In their newsletter Lake View Cemetery mentions Zachary Fenell's 5k performance at the annual A Run Through History event.Thank you for reading the week’s recap. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Did you ever eat alone? Did you care?" “Did you ever eat alone? Did you care?”

Leave your responses below in the “Comments” section. Then join us Wednesday, September 7th at 8pm ET for our next Twitter chat. If you don’t tweet, come interact with us on our Facebook fan page.

Talk soon!

-Zachary

 

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-24-2016

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Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 we at #CPChatNow waded into the thought pool’s deep end. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to recap what turned into a very insightful chat. By post end you may think about cerebral palsy in new ways!

Oddly enough though, the conversation started off slow. Personally, regular Devin set my night off to a nice start.

Zachary blogs about life with cerebral palsy at http://zacharyfenell.comFor your reading pleasure I will add a link here, “You Belong! No Matter Your Cerebral Palsy.” If you enjoy the read, check out my other posts, and even subscribe!

Anyways I should stop self-promoting and refocus on recapping the August 24th chat. Discussion about success began the wading into the metaphorical thought pool’s deep end.

What makes someone successful?Dialogue continued on what makes someone successful and also life’s priorities. A late comer soon turned the chatter more cerebral palsy specific.

The #CPChatNow community discusses "Is it weird not to feel whole?"Shira‘s question sparked concern from regular Jen.

Shira explains why she asked her question.I tried attributing Shira’s feelings in-part to her age. However, additional factors became increasingly evident.

Some participants wonder how cerebral palsy changed them physically.Other participants’ responses on the matter fueled my gender theory.

More #CPChatNow participants visualize how life was "supposed" to be.Shall we keep exploring the issue at hand? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Do you ever visualize how life was ‘supposed’ to be?” Respond via a comment in the “Comments” section.

Before wrapping up I wish to revisit a point captured in an above screen shot. Participants expressed how #CPChatNow reduced feeling lonely. That speaks to a support system’s importance, something emphasized again later in the night.

#CPChatNow discusses the importance of having a good support network.We at #CPChatNow can assist passing the time required to build a good in-person support network.

Let #CPChatNow be your support network!Obviously participating in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat supplies the best way to utilize our support network. Still my co-host Blake Henry and I know not everyone tweets. Hence we work hard to provide other platforms for community contribution.

First and foremost like our Facebook fan page. The page shares cerebral palsy related stories daily. Like and leave comments on the posted items.

Answer this week's extend-the-conversation question! Do you ever visualize how life was "supposed" to be?Then too exists opportunity within the extend-the-conversation question. Remember today’s question asks “Do you ever visualize how life was ‘supposed’ to be?”

Reply by commenting below.

Later!

-Zachary

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-10-2016

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Summer proved an unofficial theme during the August 10th, 2016 #CPChatNow Twitter chat. Co-host Zachary Fenell back as promised to supply the recap. A question from my co-host Blake Henry led to the summertime discussion.

Blake Henry asks "What's one thing we're glad to have accomplished over the summer months?" Devin will remember the summer of 2016 for traveling by himself.Zachary shares his summer 2016 accomplishment.Zachary couldn't contain his summer 2016 accomplishments to one tweet.Those I interviewed include my younger brother Nick and my father Bill. If interested, check the videos out. After you finish reading the recap obviously!

With that shameless plug finished, let me resume focus. Regular Hannah Pike reminded us accomplishment manifests itself in many ways.

Hannah reminds #CPChatNow accomplishments do not always manifest in grand fashion.Never overlook simple perseverance through tough times. Thriving often first requires surviving. Whether a grand accomplishment or persevering, let the #CPChatNow community know your summer 2016 accomplishments. Answer today’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What is one thing we are glad to have accomplished during the summer months?” 

Share by leaving a comment in the “Comments” section.

Moving on, talk about the Olympics kept the unofficial summer theme going.

What do you think has been the most exciting part about the Olympics? Amidst the Olympics chatter an admiration for gymnasts’ elegant movements arose.

Many in the #CPChatNow community admire how elegant Olympic gymnasts move.Sadly I predict with future summer Olympics officials will continue contending with lying. On a positive note, I can additionally see my co-host and I enjoying an outdoor adventure together in a future summer. A prospect we discussed August 10th. Discussion that led to insightful dialogue about using mobility devices.

Blake and Zachary discussing a future outdoor adventure led to insightful conversation about using mobility devices. Keep the conversation going! Answer "What is one thing we are glad to have accomplished during the summer months?"Blemi‘s insight about nobody caring wowed me. Your turn now! Wow me and the #CPChatNow community by answering today’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What is one thing we are glad to have accomplished during the summer months?” 

Comment below to brag on your accomplishments.

Until next time!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-03-2016

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Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 proved an eventful night for us in the #CPChatNow community. Hi, co-host Zachary Fenell here risking Saturday school with a severely tardy recap. Please allow me to explain.

So, my dog ate my Twitter account. Just kidding (obviously)! Actually bad storms knocked out my power all day last Wednesday (August 10th). Therefore I could not complete the recap before the August 10th chat. Fear not, though! For your viewing pleasure the recaps for both August 3rd and August 10th will go up in the next 24 hours. This assuming no more power outages.

Early conversation August 3rd supplied reason for gratitude and positivity.

A health scare for #CPChatNow regular Lindsay supplied reason for gratitude and positivity.Anticipation built too as I promised to reveal our August 2016 focus chat details.

Anticipation builds for #CPChatNow's August 2016 focus chat announcement.Shira went on to ease the announcement wait by igniting dialogue.

If possible, would you want to cure cerebral palsy in newborns?That question led to another one.

How old were you when CP started playing a role in your personality?Lindsay on what age she noticed her cerebral palsy.Zachary on when he first noticed his cerebral palsy. Overall learning how to handle differences requires strong mental health. The topic our August focus chat will cover!

Danielle Kerani (@AKKerani) joins #CPChatNow August 17th for a focus chat on creativity as an outlet for mental health.Zachary tells a little about August's focus chat leader Danielle Kerani (@AKKerani).Go ahead and visit akkernai.com to familiarize yourself with Danielle (@AKKerani). Also note the focus chat happens TOMORROW! I hope you can join in. The chat begins at 8pm ET.

In the meantime let me finish recapping the August 3rd Twitter chat. An additional highlight from the dialogue examined cerebral palsy’s best and worst parts.

What are the best and worst parts of cerebral palsy?Shall we keep the answers going? Answer as the August 3rd extend-the-conversation question, “What are the best and worst parts of cerebral palsy?”

What are the best and worst parts of cerebral palsy?Answer by commenting below!

I’ll return soon with the August 10th recap. Until then!

-Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-27-2016

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Food stole the discussion early during #CPChatNow Wednesday, July 27th, 2016’s. Co-host Blake Henry here with a delayed recap. The conversation topics were wide during the chat. The conversation went from food to eating habits, tiredness, and then concluded with bucket list. It was surprising to see how varied bucket list can be.

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My co-host Zachary Fenell curious if not cooking all the time for yourself is a benefit when with a significant other.

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Deciding on the right type of diet can be a tough decision!

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A regular Hannah Pike shared her diet style and the difference between specific diets.

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Dialogue from July 20th #CPChatNow brought back some unfinished business about energy and it’s vice tiredness.

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Again, Zachary Fenell with questions extended from July 20th #CPChatNow.

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Many chat-goers chimed in and gave their opinions on what makes them tired, the worst thing anyone could be.

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Devin extends to us the obvious way to lessen fatigue.

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Zachary can attest to the benefits he sees in physical activity in reducing tiredness.

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The biggest conversation of the night – Bucket List!

Jen asked an end of summer question. Many participants bucket list were interesting and some a little obscure.

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Many expressed wanting to see popular attractions.

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However, some wanted to incorporate bucket list items into something they already enjoy.

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Lastly, don’t forget about our monthly Google Hangout on August 11th at 8PM ET. Please connect with Zachary or myself for instructions on how to become part of the community.

Since I mentioned the extend-the-conversation question, let me remind you to answer this week’s question.

“What are some specific sites you would like to see while accomplishing your bucket list?”

[Bucket List} #CPChatNow Extended Conversation Question July 27th (1)

Respond by commenting below.

Thank you for viewing our website and this recap. Connect with over on Facebook.

– Blake

 

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-20-2016

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Friendship, safety, and more arose as discussion topics during Wednesday, July 20th, 2016’s #CPChatNow. Co-host Zachary Fenell here with the much delayed recap. My co-host Blake Henry will stop by later in the week with the July 27th recap. In the meantime shall we focus on July 20th?

A bad experience for regular community member Devin sparked conversation early.

A bad experience left #CPChatNow regular Devin filing an ADA complaint.Personal experiences kept the dialogue flowing. We discussed the tricky transition from high school to college and said impact on physical therapy. An issue regular Alena will soon face.

Transitioning from high school to college will likely impact physical therapy schedules.Also on July 20th, National Inclusion Project ran a hashtag initiative. They asked people to use the hashtag “#friendshipis” to promote inclusion. Liking the concept, I suggested we at #CPChatNow participate.

#CPChatNow participates in National Inclusion Project's #friendshipis initiative.Hannah shares what she considers friendship.Actually I loved the #friendshipis campaign so much I wrote a detailed blog post on the matter over at my blog. To self-promote a bit, checkout out the post.

Additionally, give your opinion too! The week’s extend-the-conversation question keeps the July 20th conversation rolling. “What is friendship to you?”  Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Speaking about comments, a post from the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page stirred some chatter. Talk which crossed over into the July 20th Twitter chat.

How do you stay safe?Read the specific post for more context. Make sure you like the Facebook page too! Blake and I work diligently to share cerebral palsy related stories through the page. Similar to the extend-the-conversation question, the Facebook page keeps the community fun pumping all week long.

What is FriendshipSince I mentioned the extend-the-conversation question, let me remind you to answer this week’s question.

“What is friendship to you?” 

Respond by commenting below.

Talk with you all later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-06-2016

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To kick off July the #CPChatNow community reflected. Co-host Zachary Fenell here, guilty causing said reflections. Everything started with one question.

Co-host Zachary Fenell asks how has #CPChatNow impacted your life. #CPChatNow builds community and lessens feeling isolated.Besides building community to reduce isolation, another common theme emerged from the answers.

Co-host Zachary Fenell talks about how #CPChatNow has made him a better cerebral palsy advocate.

#CPChatNow has helped keep Devin informed about current events in the disability community.Current events actually wound up finding a way into the night’s dialogue as well.

Speechless will focus around a nonverbal young man with cerebral palsy and his family.Speechless revolves around JJ, a nonverbal young man with cerebral palsy, and his family. This three-minute trailer gives a good idea what issues you can expect Speechless to tackle.

While my response to live tweeting Speechless remained partly humorous, doing so could lead to amazing dialogue. Obviously people will need to watch to make live tweeting work. Therefore let me ask as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “In the fall do you plan to watch Speechless?”  As always respond in the “Comments” section.

Though an exciting buzz surrounds Speechless, let us not overlook the summer. Much summer fun still awaits ahead. Maybe you plan on seeing a couple concerts. If so, you will want to stop by tonight on Twitter for our “Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat. Tonight’s focus chat leader Jocelyn dropped in last week to share her excitement for tonight.

Tonight #CPChatNow's own Jocelyn leads a focus chat on concert going with cerebral palsy.My co-host Blake Henry reminded us a second reason to feel excited about the week.

#CPChatNow participants will video chat via Google Hangouts Thursday, July 14th. The chat begins at 8pm ET!Once a month we use Google Hangouts to enjoy a video chat. The invitation goes out around 8pm ET. Do you want to join the Hangouts fun? Please direct message Blake or myself to request an invitation. To maintain a private setting we do not post the link publicly.

Your answer will help determine if we live tweet Speechless in the fall.Meanwhile as you stir in excitement for tomorrow’s Google Hangout and tonight’s focus chat, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“In the fall do you plan to watch Speechless?” 

Your answer will help determine if we should live tweet the show come September. Answer below by commenting.

Tweet you soon!

-Zachary

 

 

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-29-2016

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Writing a cerebral palsy memoir remained among the popular topics discussed during #CPChatNow Wednesday, June 29th. Hello again! Co-host Zachary Fenell finally here to recap our most recent chat.

Before talking about writing memoirs though, regular Devin showed off his brand new shirt.

Devin will be chugging along in his wheelchair wearing his #CPChatNow pride.If you want to wear your #CPChatNow pride too, your opportunity closes fast. The #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Tank Tops Fundraiser ENDS THIS MONDAY (JULY 11TH). Profits go to the nonprofit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Make sure you order ASAP!

With that reminder finished, time to re-focus on recapping. Early on my co-host Blake Henry and I teased announcing our July events. Before those however, the dialogue picked up with a question asked the previous week.

Would you write a cerebral palsy memoir?Other aspiring authors emerged from our community as well. Their ambitions helped reveal the challenges involved in writing a cerebral palsy memoir.

Without the right angle for your memoir, you end up babbling pointlessly.Lindsay disccusses the challenges she faced writing a cerebral palsy memoir.As someone with a published cerebral palsy memoir, I added an experienced voice to the dialogue. To share a shameless plug my memoir Off Balanced remains available on the Kindle and Nook. Off Balanced focuses on my adolescent years, particularly how my CP impacted me socially. Basically my journey from embarrassment to embrace over CP.

Yet, not everyone possesses the writing skills to write a book. Said fact raised a valuable point.

Writing is only one outlet to express your creativity and share your story.Let us use this week’s extend-the-conversation question to highlight the various platforms you can use to express yourself. Answer “What platform would you use to share your cerebral palsy story?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Continuing on, like promised, Blake and I announced our July events. First I broke news about our July focus chat.

On July 13th Jocelyn will lead #CPChatNow in a discussion about concert going with cerebral palsy.People are excited for July 13th's focus chat on concert going with cerebral palsy.The “Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat marks our latest internal focus chat. Internal focus chats give our community members the spotlight to share their expertise and passions. After making our July 2016 focus chat announcement I put a feeler out seeking future internal focus chat leaders.

Please contact Zachary or Blake if you are interested in leading an internal focus chat.Contact Blake and/or I via a Twitter direct message if interested in this pro bono opportunity. Speaking of Blake, he announced the date for our July Google Hangout.

The date for the July 2016 #CPChatNow Google Hangout is announced!Do not miss any July #CPChatNow fun! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 13th (“Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat) and Thursday, July 14th (monthly Google Hangout). Then come back to your device to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

Answer the week's extend-the-conversation question by replying in the "Comments" section.“What platform would you use to share your cerebral palsy story?”

Again, answer by commenting below. Finally, remember you MUST purchase your #CPChatNow shirts by Monday, July 11th. Order ASAP!

Tweet you later!

-Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-22-2016

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Community shined during our weekly Twitter chat Wednesday, June 22nd.  I am co-host Zachary Fenell tasked to bring you the recap. This includes exploring the different communal elements, like encouragement and inspiration. The latter kicked off the night.

Members in the #CPChatNow share how they are becoming more physically active.To see Devin and Hannah refer to my walking as at a certain “level” made me smile. Erin though hit on an important factor.

You are in competition with no one but yourself.Discussion about physical activity continued as the topic transitioned to physical therapy (PT). Not everyone enjoys a positive history with PT. Enter the need for our community to provide encouragement.

#CPChatNow discusses PT's importance.PT or no PT you can still find ways to stay physically active with cerebral palsy.

#CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell discusses the exercises he does at home.In order to help others visualize reverse crunches I shared the following.

Since I started doing reverse crunches daily I feel stronger in my abs. As a result I am better able to catch my balance whenever I stumble.

Obviously, I am not the only one with cerebral palsy who exercises at home. So shall we open up the dialogue? Answer Devin’s question for the extend-the-conversation question. “Do you do any exercises at home?”

If yes, please give an example. Follow the usual routine and respond in the “Comments” section.

Moving forward allow me to return to the community theme. A community offers comfortableness and a safe place to share. Erin did exactly that, tweeting out a link to her recent blog post.

Erin shares a personal, emotional blog post.Keep the conversation going! Answer the extend-the-conversation question.Read Erin’s emotional post here. However, first remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question. “Do you do exercises at home?”

Reply in the “Comments” section below. If you answer yes, give an example!

Also consider purchasing a #CPChatNow sleeveless performance t shirt. Made by Sport-Tek, the performance shirt remains ideal for physical activity. Or, explore the other shirt styles available. Sale ends July 11th!

Tweet you tonight!

-Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap – Breaking Down Stereotypes Focus Chat

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I am co-host Blake Henry back again to bring you the June Focus Chat recap. This week we welcomed special guest, Zach Wood to break down stereotypes about cerebral palsy.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 6.20.31 PMThe change in the chat time made me feel like I was on a time zone vacation to California. We normally chat every Wednesday from 8-10PM ET, however, to accommodate our guest we moved the time to 5-7PM ET.

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I wasted no time asking Zach Wood the first question of the night to break the ice and learn more about his mission of “Breaking Down Stereotypes.”

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 6.21.28 PMZach was eager to share his creative genius behind The Disability Gang.

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My co-host Zachary Fenell had a question that was right up our special guest’s alley.

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Erin Muse shared the stereotype she comes in contact with way too often. It is time to educate and leave ignorant people in the dust.Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 6.26.12 PM

Hannah Pike also shared with the community of her struggles with stereotypes.

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Who is behind my co-host Zachary Fenell and thinks we should use our creative juices and create a funky wheelchair Public Service Announcement?

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Do you ever get tired of 100 questions about cerebral palsy? Well, many of us do too and some days we just want to run away and go hide. Maybe the next big #CPChatNow creation is a resource of answers to those 100 questions.

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Our special guest Zach Wood brings up a great point. Regardless, if we created resources there will always be that one idiot who fails to listen and learn.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 6.32.44 PMZach asks another great question that has been on the back burner for some time. Many of us face insults from children and adults alike, who are mean lumpy eggs.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 6.38.05 PMMy co-host said he usually receives warm curious questions about his awkward gait.

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Erin said that she does not mind the curiosity and children mean no harm in their questions.

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Zach quickly chimes in again to share his mission of breaking down stereotypes and educating.

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Remember that our long anticipated #CPChatNow gear is now finally available at Custom Cat. You have until July 9th to purchase your desired products. Learn more about the sale.

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Time to dispel your own stereotypes. Go ahead and answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What is the worst stereotype you have encountered?”

Leave your answer in the “Comments” section

Respond by commenting below.

Don’t forget to give Zach a big thank you for breaking down cerebral palsy stereo types with us.

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Thanks for your participation in this month’s #CPChatNow Focus Chat.

See you soon,

Blake