#CPChatNow Recap- 07-27-2016

Posted on August 5, 2016 by blakehenry1

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 20^th #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 20^th #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 11^th 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

Posted on July 28, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Since 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- Concert Going with Cerebral Palsy

Posted on July 20, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016 #CPChatNow’s own Jocelyn led July’s focus chat on concert going with cerebral palsy. I am co-host Zachary Fenell ready to rock the recap. No cover charge needed! Just sit back and enjoy.

As the discussion started flowing, Jocelyn’s credentials became quite evident.

While fun, concert going with cerebral palsy can prove physically challenging. Such challenges multiple people addressed.

If you do not hear back from the venue or musician, Jocelyn named a last resort option.

Before proceeding with the recap, how about you chime in? Answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What’s the most physically challenging show you attended?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Moving on, my co-host Blake Henry sparked dialogue by asking Jocelyn a question.

Throughout the night Jocelyn emphasized reaching out to inquire about accessibility options. A point she echoed again in her final comments.

Hopefully you found the insights recapped here helpful. Remember you can still add to the discussion. Take a moment to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“What’s the most physically challenging show you attended?”

Like always, leave your response in the “Comments” section below!

Talk with you later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-06-2016

Posted on July 13, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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

Besides building community to reduce isolation, another common theme emerged from the answers.

Current events actually wound up finding a way into the night’s dialogue as well.

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.

My co-host Blake Henry reminded us a second reason to feel excited about the week.

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.

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

Posted on July 6, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

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.

Other aspiring authors emerged from our community as well. Their ambitions helped reveal the challenges involved in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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

Posted on June 29, 2016 by zacharyfenell

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.

To see Devin and Hannah refer to my walking as at a certain “level” made me smile. Erin though hit on an important factor.

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.

PT or no PT you can still find ways to stay physically active with cerebral palsy.

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.

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

Posted on June 19, 2016 by blakehenry1

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 PM The 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 PM Zach 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 PM Zach 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 PM My 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 9^th 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

#CPCHATNOW T-Shirts and Tank Tops NOW On Sale!

Posted on June 10, 2016 by zacharyfenell

You can now wear your #CPChatNow pride! Hi, co-host Zachary Fenell here with exciting news. The long wait for #CPChatNow shirts remains over. This thanks to a 30-day Custom Cat campaign launched June 9th. Through the campaign #CPChatNow will raise funds for the nonprofit organization Keep On Keeping On (KOKO) Foundation.

Custom Cat offers a platform for creating customized gear. Orders print on demand and ship directly to the customer. Ideal for us at #CPChatNow! No upfront costs. No inventory to deal with. No postage and mailing to worry about.

Fundraising for KOKO!

KOKO provides funds for a new wheelchair.

KOKO Executive Director Dave Kunicki and President Tim Wambach present Jessica a check for buying a new wheelchair. KOKO stepped in after Jessica’s insurance company denied her a replacement.

As aforementioned the sale will raise funds for the nonprofit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Our own founding father Tim Wambach also founded KOKO, back in 2007. KOKO assists those living with severe physical disabilities.

Assistance provided by purchasing medical equipment, paying for needed physical therapy, helping to cover outstanding medical expenses, and more. Learn about those KOKO helped in the past. Click for the stories.

Please note the money that goes to KOKO differs from the price you pay. Production costs need paying too. The chart below crunches the numbers for you. So you can see exactly where your money goes.

Build Your T-Shirt or Tank Top

Start by selecting your preferred shirt design. You will find three options.

Option #1: The Legendary #CPChatNow Train

Our own Erin Diericx brings the legendary #CPChatNow train to life. Underneath her beautifully designed train, the shirt reads.

BOARD THE #CPCHATNOW TRAIN

EVERY WEDNESDAY 8 ET ON TWITTER

& ON FACEBOOK ANYTIME

CPCHATNOW.COM

Option #2: Colored Logo

Option two features a colorful #CPChatNow logo, a Sarah Wambach creation. Beneath the gold, blue, and green #CPChatNow logo accompanies the slogan.

Community for Those with Cerebral Palsy (written in blue)

cpchatnow.com (written in green)

Option #3: Join the Family

Regularly we in our community refer to ourselves as family. That familial theme takes center stage in the final shirt design. A white #CPChatNow logo dons the shirt with the following words (also in white).

JOIN THE CEREBRAL PALSY FAMILY

ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK

CPCHATNOW.COM

Choose Your Product

Next after selecting your design, click the “Available Products” dropdown menu and explore. You will see various t-shirts and tank tops, including variations for women and youths. Once you decide on a product, play with the colors. When you key in on a combination you like, put in your size, and hit “Buy It Now.”

Check Your Spam Folder

Upon order completion you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not see the confirmation, check your spam folder. Custom Cat fills orders within 24 to 48 hours. Add in time for shipping too.

Do not let the confirmation email panic you. Personally I ordered a sleeveless performance shirt (true red) with the colored logo design. Plus I ordered a t-shirt (Irish green) featuring the join the family design.

Yet my confirmation order simply showed the right color sleeveless performance shirt but with the train design. No mention about my second shirt outside the total price. Therefore I wrote Custom Cat customer service to double check my order. They replied in under 12 hours, confirming my double check. If you wish to confirm your order, you can email Custom Cat at contact@customcat.com.

Final FYIs

Unfortunately Custom Cat currently only ships domestically within the United States and to Canada. Hopefully in the future we can find a way to offer #CPChatNow gear to our participants located other places around the world.

In the meantime the countdown clock in the United States and Canada ticks away. Order your #CPChatNow t-shirts and tank tops today! Rep #CPChatNow wherever you go. When someone asks, “Why are you smiling?” You can say “Because I helped raise funds for KOKO.”

ORDER YOUR T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOPS TODAY!

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-01-2016

Posted on June 7, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Cerebral palsy or drunk, the too common mix up triggered much conversation Wednesday, June 1st. Hi! Co-host Zachary Fenell back as promised to recap our most recent Twitter chat. Due to my co-host Blake Henry dealing with other priorities, I remained without my metaphorical co-pilot.

After sending well wishes to Blake’s father, we proceeded with our traditional Wednesday evening ritual. I sparked dialogue, sharing an experience from earlier in the day.

Honestly, I read about others encountering the cerebral palsy or drunk confusion before. Yet if I indeed heard correctly, the interaction marks my first personal experience with the issue. I wonder how many face the cerebral palsy or drunk mix up.

Wait! That gives me an idea. How about I ask for this week’s extend-the-conversation question “Has your cerebral palsy ever led someone to mistaken you for being drunk? How did you react?”

Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Another noteworthy aspect came when I teased the next focus chat announcement.

Those who missed Thursday’s post, click here. Personally I believe this upcoming focus chat will lead to some standout discussion! Make sure to mark the special time on your calendar, 5pm ET- 7pm ET (June 15th).

Speaking about focus chats, Devin mentioned a past focus chat leader.

Last year Devin and Emily teamed up to lead an advocacy focus chat. While I still need to listen to The Accessible Stall myself, I hold no hesitation echoing Devin’s recommendation here. I am more than confident Emily delivers an awesome podcast.

Additionally I wish to echo a plug I made Wednesday evening.

Everyone deserves the chance to go to the bathroom in a private, dignified setting. So again, I am encouraging everyone to sign. Use this active link to visit the petition and show your support on said important matter.

Once you sign the petition, return here to the recap and answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“Has your cerebral palsy ever led someone to mistaken you for being drunk? How did you react?”

Simply leave a comment below to respond.

I hope to talk with you Wednesday.

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!

Fundraising for KOKO!

Build Your T-Shirt or Tank Top

Option #1: The Legendary #CPChatNow Train

Option #2: Colored Logo

Option #3: Join the Family

Choose Your Product

Check Your Spam Folder

Final FYIs