Cherilyn: How long have you had Cerebral Palsy?
Kelsey: I have had cerebral palsy since I was a baby. When I was 13 days old my heart stopped. It was stopped for 20-30 minutes, and that is why I have cerebral palsy.

Cherilyn: How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Your Daily Life?
Kelsey: My muscles are tight, making my daily activities difficult, so I need help getting ready for my day. The tight muscles also affect my speech, so some people have a hard time understanding me. The tight muscles also cause me to aspirate when I eat, so I’m mostly tube fed. Cerebral Palsy also affects balance, so I can’t really sit on a chair without support, and I can’t walk on my own. I use a power wheelchair.

Cherilyn: Is Cerebral Palsy Painful?
Kelsey: When I was little I didn’t have pain, but as I get older I find my tight muscles are painful. When I sit in my wheelchair for long periods of time my back hurts. I go to the chiropractor and for massages frequently. It took awhile to figure out why I was having pain. We thought maybe my hip was out, but it’s just tight muscles.

Cherilyn: Can you walk?
Kelsey: I can walk in my walker.

Cherilyn: Tell me why you wear braces on your feet.
Kelsey: If I didn’t wear braces on my feet my muscles would shrink in my ankles, causing my feet to point. This would make it impossible to wear shoes.

Cherilyn: What kind of exercises do you do?
Kelsey: I have hip stretches. They really help with my back pain.

Cherilyn: What barriers do you face? Things that are hard in the community?
Kelsey: Sometimes people park too close to my wheelchair van, and then I can’t get in or out. This is very annoying! I can’t get into most stores downtown. I can’t go to anyone’s house unless someone carries me – everyone seems to have stairs.

Cherilyn: Do You Work?
Kelsey: Yes, I work at centra cam. Part of my job is doing school presentations to grade 5 students. I also volunteer at the fire hall, shredding paper.

Cherilyn: What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge as an Adult Living With Cerebral Palsy?
Kelsey: Back pain has been my biggest challenge.

Cherilyn: In What Ways Have You Worked to Overcome these Challenges?
Kelsey: A Phyisio Therapist at the Glenrose gave me stretches to do, and we do them every night. It has made a huge difference.

Cherilyn: Who or What Has Been Your Biggest Support?
Kelsey: Family and friends have been my biggest support.

Cherilyn: Have You Been Involved in Any Support Groups or Organizations?
Kelsey: There is a CP group in Edmonton and Calgary, but that’s too far away. I am involved with Special Olympics. That’s a fun group. I go swimming, bowling and play bocce ball.

Cherilyn: What Are Your Hobbies or Things You Like to Do for Fun?
Kelsey: In my spare time at home I colour and do word searches. I also like to go to concerts. I go to BVJ every year, and sometimes other concerts, if we can get tickets.

Cherilyn: What Advice Would You Give to Others About Making the Most of Living With Cerebral Palsy?
Kelsey: Be positive, look on the bright side and have a good attitude.