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 Recap- 09-07-2016

Posted on September 9, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Excitement stirred throughout the evening Wednesday, September 7th, 2016. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to compress all the excitement into a weekly recap. This week’s Twitter chat coincided with the 2016 Paralympics opening ceremonies. Naturally the conversation drifted to the games.

Now while I directed my question to Devin, anyone could answer. So let us open up the floor. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Discussion went beyond the Paralympics too. I sparked dialogue with my greeting by asking about lessons learned this week.

lesson-about-comfort-zones Hamda’s reply led to detailed talk about leaving comfort zones.

cpchatnow-members-leaving-comfort-zones Additionally I shared some community news, officially announcing our September 2016 Google Hangout date.

Google Hangouts gives our community a chance to chat face-to-face using web cams. Please contact me via a Twitter DM with any questions on how to join.

Glancing ahead next week looks eventful for us at #CPChatNow. You may recall Wednesday we hold September’s focus chat. A chat our own Jen will lead!

Before starting a countdown to September 14th and September 15th though, allow me to finish recapping this week’s Twitter chat. Towards the chat’s end conversation returned to the Paralympics.

Honestly, like Blemi I did not always know the difference between the Paralympics and Special Olympics. However, I quickly learned in 2012 when writing the following blog post, “Debunking Misconceptions: Paralympics/Special Olympics Confusion.” Feel free to pass on the post to help educate others on the differences.

Meanwhile also remember to answer this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?”

Comment below to respond.

Talk with you later!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-31-2016

Posted on September 2, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you for reading the week’s recap. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“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

Posted on August 26, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

For 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.

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

Shira‘s question sparked concern from regular Jen.

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

Other participants’ responses on the matter fueled my gender theory.

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.

We at #CPChatNow can assist passing the time required to build a good in-person 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.

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- Creative Outlets and Their Mental Health Benefits Focus Chat

Posted on August 19, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Cerebral palsy, while largely a physical disability, maintains mental health implications. Those remained on full display during #CPChatNow Wednesday, August 17th. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to bring you highlights from our “Creative Outlets and How They Help with Mental Health” focus chat.

As the clock ticked closer to 8:00pm ET, anticipation built.

To begin the chat our guest Danielle Kerani (@AKKerani) introduced herself.

Once Danielle asked the first question, the many creative outlets available became evident.

The various creative outlets proves a positive, especially for us in the cerebral palsy community. Like my comment about drawing illustrates (pun intended), CP can transform relaxing outlets into cause for stress. Hence the importance to finding the right creative outlet for you!

Discovering the correct outlet may lead to multiple benefits too. One community member Yasmin named a great example.

Moving forward question three expanded the dialogue past creative outlets to therapeutic outlets in general.

Now what about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What outlets in general do you turn to for therapy?” Leave a comment in the “Comments” section to answer.

First though, perhaps we should continue with the recap. Danielle’s thought provoking questions kept our community thinking all chat long. She even challenged us to think about the topic in innovative fashion.

However, not everyone said individual. Actually, I argued mental health stands a pursuit which entails both options.

Continued chatter raised a critical aspect to mental health.

Wisdom that deserves repeating, “Anxiety is versatile. So must we be.” Keep this in mind when battling your anxiety and doubts. Or, when helping others combat threats to their mental health.

Finally, to conclude today’s recap I on behalf the #CPChatNow community wish to thank Danielle Kerani for joining us August 17th. I recommend following her on Twitter at @AKKerani. For more about her and her business visit http://akkerani.com.

With gratitude,
-Zachary

P.S. I almost forgot to remind you. Answer the extend-the-conversation question. “What outlets in general do you turn to for therapy?”

Simply comment below with your response.

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-10-2016

Posted on August 18, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

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.

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.

Amidst the Olympics chatter an admiration for gymnasts’ elegant movements arose.

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.

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

Posted on August 16, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

Anticipation built too as I promised to reveal our August 2016 focus chat details.

Shira went on to ease the announcement wait by igniting dialogue.

That question led to another one.

Overall learning how to handle differences requires strong mental health. The topic our August focus chat will cover!

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.

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?”

Answer by commenting below!

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

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!