Tag Archives: cpchatnow

Celebrating Nine Years of Community!

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Happy birthday to everyone in the #CPChatNow community! Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 marked nine years since our first ever Twitter chat. Hence my, #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, reference to December 3rd as our chat’s, “birthday.” Somebody else might prefer the traditional term, “anniversary.” No matter the terminology used, you will probably agree nine years together remains an occasion to celebrate.

Such a celebration has occurred over the last month too. Despite my co-host Devin Axtman and I not getting out our weekly recaps, the chat continues to meet each Wednesday on Twitter, 8pm ET. On Wednesday, November 23rd I mentioned the upcoming nine-year milestone.

Zachary and Chris are wowed by the fact #CPChatNow has been around for nine years.

The fact nine years has passed since our community’s first chat, wowed an enthusiastic fixture in our community, Chris. Reacting to the milestone, Chris tweeted, “9!?!?! Omg! I guess it has been, but wow!” Retweeting Chris’s response, I thanked everyone who has given our community staying power. Those individuals include both long-time community members and new faces. One new face in-particular shared his own #CPChatNow milestone.

#CPChatNow celebrates Stephen's one year anniversary as part of the community.

During the chat Wednesday, November 16th Stephen reminisced about being a part of #CPChatNow for one year. Belonging to our community can prove transformative. A notion supported by conversation held during our weekly chat Wednesday, November 30th.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow participants to fill in the blank and answer, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more (blank)."
Zachary and Devin discuss further ways #CPChatNow has impacted their lives.

With December 3rd approaching, I asked the community to fill in the blank and answer, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more _____.” Devin replied, saying our community has made him more, “confident in my disability identity.” Devin would go on to discuss how #CPChatNow has allowed us to meet, “super cool people that have done stuff with CP,” and “meet people (with CP) all over the country and even the world.”

What about you? Keep the conversation going, and fill in the blank. “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ________.” Even if you do not participate in the actual Twitter chat, feel free to answer. If you read the recaps, you are part of our community. Let us know what about the recaps keeps bringing you back.

Beyond celebrating the past nine years, our community took time to contemplate our future.

Zachary asks participants if they have any concerns about Twitter's future.

Jen answers if she has any concerns about Twitter's new ownership.

Considering Twitter serves as our main platform and 2022 saw a big change in Twitter’s ownership, on Wednesday, November 9th I asked members if anyone had concerns about the platform’s future. Both Chris and Jen expressed concern Twitter will cost money to use. Chris added he, “joined Mastodon just in case Twitter stops being free to use.”

Though, as long as Twitter stays free, you can count on joining us each and every Wednesday on the platform. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Before then, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______.” Fill in the blank below!

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

-Zachary

Fill in the blank to answer the extend-the-conversation question, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______."

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#CPChatNow Recap- “Family Reunion” Focus Chat

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Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a familial and festive atmosphere Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The night representing our community’s first “family reunion.” To tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. All aboard this special recap.

As my co-host Devin Axtman and I hoped, the “family reunion” themed focus chat brought back familiar faces.

Devin happily greets Hannah during the #CPChatNow family reunion.

Beloved community member Hannah joined in on the reunion fun. Such a welcomed presence! After everyone exchanged their hellos, we started into the night’s designated questions.

The list of questions for #CPChatNow's family reunion focus chat.

Answers to the different questions brought up some commonalities. For example, with question two “How has your life changed since you participated in #CPChatNow?”

Long-time chat regular Jen answered the question, saying she has virtually gotten to know more people with CP. I responded, noting virtual connections can lead to real impact. A sentiment Hannah expressed with me in 2019 while recording a Youtube video “The Positives of Social Media.”

Devin further illustrated this fact when answering question three “How has your experience of disability changed (or not) since you started participating?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss how participating in the weekly Twitter chat has changed their experience of disability.

In his answer Devin noted that our community has helped him become more confident in his disability. Other benefits our community has provided members arose when people answered question five, “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?”

#CPChatNow members share how their connections in the group has benefited them.

Both Jen and our “Positivity Princess” Linds responded to the inquiry. Linds saying the chat helps to boost her energy levels. Meanwhile Jen indicated our chat gives her a place to connect with others who can relate with her struggles.

What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

After you reply, set a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, The good times begin at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The week's extend-the-conversation question asks "How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap: 1-30-2019

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Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow put on full display arguably their greatest virtue, community. At least I would make said argument and I am #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell. Seemingly I am not alone in this opinion either. After a rough week, long-time #CPChatNow regular Hannah Pike turned to the chat seeking a little normalcy.

Seeking a sense of normalcy, long-time participant Hannah turns to #CPChatNow.

Participants responded giving Hannah a welcoming reception. In-particular my co-host Devin Axtman asked Hannah if she received the penthouse suite treatment, a reference to last year’s Speechless Thanksgiving episode “C-E– CELEBRITY S-U– SUITE.”

Beyond the usual names, our community also welcomed a new member January 30th.

#CPChatNow participants welcome a newcomer, Sean.

Newcomer Sean decided to accept an invitation from #CPChatNow regular Shira to join the chat’s fun. Immediately Sean engrossed himself into the dialogue, asking participants to share their favorite portrayal of a person with CP in movies or TV. An effective conversation starter!

Besides opening our metaphorical arms to Sean, our community also warmly greeted a returning familiar face.

Familiar face Jorge Oteiza returns to #CPChatNow!

Jorge Oteiza managed to find the time within his busy schedule to drop by and say hi. A schedule that includes job hunting, finishing his last semester at college, and handling graduation thoughts.

New and familiar faces alike enjoyed each other’s company. We celebrated accomplishments.

Ciarán's handwriting skills continue to improve.

Ciarán shared his continual handwriting improvement. Progress Sean called “proof that persistence is key.” Persisting forward in our recap, additionally to toasting each other’s accomplishments, members in #CPChatNow supplied one another encouragement.

Recalling almost falling earlier in the day Shira commented about avoiding falling on her face, saying “Yay, me?” Both Sean and I reassured, yes indeed. Yay you! Sean reasoned getting away without a broken bone or chipped tooth equals a win over gravity.

Similarly I noted these small saves prevent serious harm. Therefore Shira deserves to feel proud. Surely we all experience such moments anyways. As the week’s extend-the-conversation question, share yours! Respond in the comments.

“Share your own ‘yay me’ moment.”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Share your own 'Yay me' moment.

Let us celebrate our small victories together. Join our community live on Twitter every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-27-2017

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Another month in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow’s history came to a close Wednesday, September 27th, 2017. I am original #CPChatNow co-founder and current co-host Zachary Fenell, here with highlights for all. You know what I am talking about, recap time!

Familiar faces returning gave the night a reunion-like feel. First, past participant Timmy Le popped in.

A familiar face to long-time CPChatNow regulars found time for the September 27th Twitter chat, Timmy Le! Unfortunately, at the start “everyone” only included Jen and myself. However with time, more individuals started showing up.

Co-host Devin Axtman apologizes for his tardiness, mentioning a rough March. Yes, March!My co-host Devin Axtman apologized for his tardiness, citing a tough March! Devin quickly realized his misspeak.

Devin quickly catches his misspeak.Regular Hannah Pike noted forgetting the month signifies a long month. I jokingly theorized the mix-up related to cerebral palsy awareness initiatives. The United States acknowledges March as CP Awareness Month. Meanwhile an international awareness initiative, World CP Day, remains days away!

A short while later another name from CPChatNow’s past re-surfaced.

Kate takes a study break from nursing school to re-surface in CPChatNow.Kate found time in her busy nursing school schedule to check in with us at #CPChatNow. Devin expressed admiration towards Kate’s desire to go into nursing. The course load proves challenging in general, let alone with the additional obstacles cerebral palsy may cause.

Potential cerebral palsy caused obstacles also came up regarding interacting with children. Recently becoming an uncle, I possessed curiosity about others with nieces or nephews and how CP impacts their abilities as an aunt or uncle.

Zachary asks if having CP hinders anyone's abilities to be an aunt or uncle.Susanne Kate Brasset responded, mentioning kids’ ability to adapt. Sentiments Jocelyn supported, talking about her niece and nephew.

Jocelyn recalls a recent conversation she had with her seven-year old niece about disability.Jocelyn talks more about her niece and nephew, noting her four-year old nephew warned her about a railing issue.The stories Jocelyn shared about her niece and nephew displayed children’s willingness to learn and their thoughtfulness. Maybe you hold insights helpful to the subject. Keep the conversation going then!

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "Have you found cerebral palsy hinders your ability to be an aunt or uncle at all?" Leave your reply in the "Comments" section.Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Have you found cerebral palsy hinders your ability to be an aunt or uncle at all?”

Leave your reply by commenting below. Until next time!

-Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap 3-22-2017

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Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017, saw a meandering #CPChatNow Twitter chat that moved from CP-like symptoms in dogs, to parenting with CP, to efforts to increase fitness in people with Cerebral Palsy during CP Awareness Month.  I am your #CPChatNow Interim-Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be your conductor on this week’s recap.

The evening began on a goofy note as the gang discussed Cerebral Palsy-like symptoms in dogs:

The group discussing Cerebral Hypoplasia, CP in dogs

Things turned to a happy note as a #CPChatNow regular, Brooklyn, came back to chat and discuss her children enrolling in jiu jitsu:

Brooklyn discussing her kids enrollment in jitsu and benefits

The chat turned to a happy announcement as Co-Host, Zachary Fennell, announced that #CPChatNow’s apparel sales raised $170 for the Keep On Keeping On Foundation:

Zach announces #CPChatNow raised $170 for the Keep on Keeping On Foundaton

Next, talk turned to fitness and CP. Zach mentioned the #SweatForCP challenge:

Zach asking if anyone has heard about the #SweatForCP challenge and sharing an article

Finally, I brought up the 7 Minute Workout App from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Talk turned to how showcasing people with CP demonstrating their fitness routines is becoming more of a priority.

Devin bringing up the CPF 7 Minute fitness app. Zach bringing up the fact people with CP are shown doing exercises

This brings us to this week’s Extend-The-Conversation question: What are ways you have tried to increase your fitness level with CP?  Please leave your responses in the comments!

Finally, please don’t forget our Google Hangout next Thursday, March 30th at 8 PM EST!

Picture of a sunset with "What are ways you try to increase your fitness level with CP?

Me announcing the Hangout and Zach Have a great week everyone!

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-06-2016

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Cerebral palsy related wisdom, uniting as one community, and more surfaced during the April 6th, 2016 #CPChatNow Twitter chat. Before I get into summarizing mode though, I want to thank you for your patience. Lately I am failing to post these weekly recaps in a timely manner. This segues to other failures as well.

Last month my co-host Blake Henry and I surprised our community by launching said website here. We possessed and still possess many hopes for the site. I looked forward to allowing others to post the weekly recaps. Shortly following the website launch an idea for a special  “What’s Your Story?” blog post series emerged.

Yet I’m still the lone ceep writing the recaps. There remains no progress on the “What’s Your Story?” series. Know all this weighs on me. While I cannot offer a time table for when these changes will start, I can say they will eventually start. So again, thank you for your patience.

Now with that said, let us re-focus and revisit last week’s Twitter chat. Seeing #WednesdayWisdom trending I decided to ask about cerebral palsy related wisdom.

What are your cerebral palsy related words of wisdom?More cerebral palsy related Wednesday wisdom courtesty #CPChatNow community membersAnother question asked dealt with the widely varying differences found in the overall CP community.

Do those who are high functioning have obligation to reach out to those who are severely affected by CP? Are we one community? What a question! A question I liked so much, I wanted to give you the opportunity to reply! Go ahead and answer as the extend-the-conversation question “Do those who are high functioning have obligation to reach out to those who are severely affected by CP? Are we one community?”

Leave your answers in the “Comments” section. If you want to checkout Lindsay’s blog post on the topic prior to answering, click here.

The variation in severity carries over into the entire disability community. A fact which emerged when discussing the ADA line at events.

#CPChatNow discusses using the ADA line at events like Wrestlemania Axxess.Answer- "Do those who are high functioning have obligation to reach out to those who are severely affected by CP? Are we one community?"Well, judging by the time I should bring the April 6th, 2016 #CPChatNow recap to a close. I mean this week’s chat begins very shortly. Whether or not you can join the live chats on Twitter, you should contribute to the conversation. So go ahead and answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“Do those who are high functioning have obligation to reach out to those who are severely affected by CP? Are we one community?”

Again answer by leaving a comment below. Thank you too for checking out the weekly recap!

Until next time!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-23-2016

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#CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell here again to recap this week’s live Twitter chat. Early on staying fit with cerebral palsy emerged as a popular topic.

The CPChatNow community discusses how they stay active despite their cerebral palsy.Members in the CPChatNow community discuss buying trikes.The conversation proved fitting given a question posed to #CPChatNow previously in the week.

"How do you stay fit with cerebral palsy?" is this week's extend-the-conversation question.Now the best time to ask our community questions stands Wednesdays during the live chats (8pm ET-10pm ET). Obviously though, I make an effort to track #CPChatNow tweets throughout the week. Since @JourneyWithCP‘s question aligns with last night’s discussion, let us make her question the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer by commenting on this post. “How do you stay fit with cerebral palsy?”

Additionally to staying fit, other cerebral palsy related issues sparked dialogue. Talk about politicians turned to talk about Donald Trump which then became talk about political correctness.

Participants in the #CPChatNow community discuss political correctness.Weather crept into the conversation too. That led to a tip for handling startle reflex amidst thunderstorms.

This tip helps with startle reflex during thunderstorms.On a final note I shared a teaser for next week’s chat.

Next week I will announce our April Google Hangout details and maybe more!

Keep the conversation going! Share how you stay fit with cerebral palsy.

Answer this week’s extend-the-conversation question in the “Comments” section.

Curb the anticipation for next week’s live cerebral palsy Twitter chat. Begin by answering this week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“How do you stay fit with cerebral palsy?”

Again, answer by leaving a comment in the “Comments” section below. Once you respond, gear up for Easter!   Spend time with loved ones and make Easter 2016 one to remember!

Happy Easter!

-Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-16-2016

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Hi there! Zachary here to recap this past week’s live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. School kept my co-host Blake Henry away but we shouldered through! Much conversation sparked from a comment about surgery anniversaries.

Do you acknowledge your surgery anniversaries?The surgery discussion soon re-focused back on cerebral palsy treatments.

#CPChatNow community members discuss their experiences with selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).CPChatNow community members reflect on receiving botox injections.Perhaps we should use the cerebral palsy treatment subject to frame the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Go ahead and answer “What treatments work best for you in treating your CP?” Answer in the “Comments” section.

On an extend-the-conversation related note Fit with CP blogger Daryl Perry found inspiration in last week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How will you raise cerebral palsy awareness?”

Last week's extend-the-conversation question inspired Fit with CP blogger Daryl Perry to write his own post about cerebral palsy awareness.Make sure to read Daryl’s post “Cerebral Palsy Awareness.” His question “What’s your story?” keeps the inspiration building. Inspiration which will manifest with a special blog series here at cpchatnow.com.

Participants in the CPChatNow community come together to plan a special blog series.

CPChatNow asks you, "What treatments work best for you in treating your CP?"

Extend the conversation! Answer in the “Comments” section.

Stay tune for the upcoming “What’s Your Story?” blog series! Also expect news soon on the much anticipated #CPChatNow shirts! Proceeds from the upcoming shirts sale will benefit the non-profit organization Keep On Keeping On (KOKO) Foundation. Checkout KOKO’s website to learn all about the foundation.

While waiting on the aforementioned exciting developments, go ahead and answer this week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What treatments work best for you in treating your CP?”

Answer below!

Until next time,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Cerebral Palsy Swagger Focus Chat

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Happy Thursday!

Zachary here again to recap this week’s #CPChatNow. The live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat gives our community a reason to get excited about Wednesdays. This week the excitement heightened because Hunter Gandee from The Cerebral Palsy Swagger joined us for a focus chat.

Excitement for March 9th's Focus Chat proved a mutual feeling shared by both Cerebral Palsy Swagger and #CPChatNow. Hunter joining us provided us an opportunity to learn more about Cerebral Palsy Swagger’s initiatives. Plus how they feel regarding their story going viral!

Hunter Gandee explains the catalyst for Cerebral Palsy Swagger.Hunter discusses the media coverage he and Cerebral Palsy Swagger received.

Hunter Gandee tells what he considers the best part about the Cerebral Palsy Swagger publicity.Hunter directs those curious about Cerebral Palsy Swagger's future activities to the appropriate resource.Stay updated on Cerebral Palsy Swagger’s future activities and like their Facebook page!

In addition to learning more about their cerebral palsy awareness initiatives, last night supplied the chance to get to know Hunter and Braden on a personal level.

Hunter talks about his and Braden's interests, besides raising cerebral palsy awareness.Hunter reveals some of Braden's other interests.Personally I found learning more about Hunter and Braden’s interests an empowering experience. After all while cerebral palsy creates commonalities within our community, human nature dictates we also possess our own separate interests.

Another human nature dictation decrees we each maintain the ability to make the world around us a better place. Like Cerebral Palsy Swagger, we too can spread cerebral palsy awareness! Exactly how to do so Hunter shared last night.

Hunter Gandee explains how others can raise cerebral palsy awareness.

Answer this week's extend-the-conversation question. How will you raise cerebral palsy awareness?

Leave a comment and share how you will raise cerebral palsy awareness!

Sure, not all attempts to raise cerebral palsy awareness will go viral. Yet if your actions just educates one person, you can say you increased cerebral palsy awareness. Thus let me ask as this week’s extend-the-conversation question,

“How will you raise cerebral palsy awareness?”

Answer by commenting below. Maybe our different answers will even inspire new ideas!

Talk to you again soon,

Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-02-2016

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Let a new era in the cerebral palsy community CPChatNow officially begin!

I am #CPChatNow co-founder and current co-host Zachary Fenell. I introduce myself because the future will see posts from others in our community. While we work towards those developments, I will resume providing you recaps highlighting our live weekly Twitter chats.

Previously said recaps appeared on my own blog at zacharyfenell.com. In an effort to create more community ownership though, this website came about. Last night during our live chat I officially revealed cpchatnow.com.

The CPChatNow community reacts to the news of a website dedicated to our community.The CPChatNow community contleplates possibilities for cpchatnow.com.As the latter screen grab speaks to there exists many possibilities to grow CPChatNow through the website. Over the next few weeks we will set out actionable steps to turn the possibilities into actualities.

Meanwhile allow us to focus our attention on Wednesday, March 9th (THIS Wednesday). Announced by my co-host Blake Henry, we will welcome a very special guest in the upcoming week.

Wednesday, March 9th Hunter Gandee from Cerebral Palsy Swagger joins #CPChatNow for a focus chat on CP and the future!Back in 2014 Hunter carried his brother Braden on his back for 40 miles in a trek dubbed “Cerebral Palsy Swagger.” The story went viral, garnering much mainstream attention for cerebral palsy awareness. Seriously mainstream! Hunter threw out the first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game and won Sports Illustrated’s 2014 High School Athlete of the Year Award. Wrestling fans in our community may even recall seeing Hunter and Braden on Monday Night Raw.

Perhaps most impressive about Hunter and Braden stands the fact they continue their cerebral palsy advocacy efforts. This included raising money for an accessible playground at Braden’s school and topping their 2014 40-mile walk with 57 miles in 2015! You can learn more about these latest endeavors via CNN among other news stations.

Between the big website and focus chat announcements yesterday you might think we exhausted our excitement levels. Yet we managed to reach an excitement hat trick! Over the last month Erin (@emdeerx) and I both spent time creating designs for future #CPChatNow shirts. We revealed our respective designs last night.

One of Erin's design for future #CPChatNow shirtsZachary's design for future #CPChatNow shirts.Erin’s second design holds a variation.

Erin's #CPChatNow Design A1

Option #1: This design remains specific to our Twitter chats.

Erin's second variation to her CPChatNow train shirt design.

Option #2: This option mentions our Twitter chats but also acknowledges our presence on Facebook.

Voice your opinion on the variation you prefer with this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What train shirt design do you prefer?” Answer in the “Comments” section below!

Finally like a train building speed, next week’s chat promises to build on our momentum. Make sure to join us when Hunter Gandee from Cerebral Palsy Swagger leads our focus chat on CP and the future.

Cerebral Palsy Swagger Focus Chat Graphic