For World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re celebrating Rebecca’s determination, resilience and achievements.
Rebecca has quadriplegic cerebral palsy resulting in mobility and speech impairments and has been working with Anglia Case Management Case Manager Sarah Fisher for just over a year. Alongside speech and language Therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, she continues to make fantastic progress towards her goals.
One of those goals was to grow her greeting card business, expanding sales online and through local retailers. While case management and her multidisciplinary team have supported her journey, Rebecca’s success is driven by her own hard work, determination and belief in what is possible.
Rebecca shared her story with us:
“When I was born, I was a stillborn baby who was resuscitated, which lead to heart issues. I was given two months to live. However, the doctors were incorrect. When I was two, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The doctor said I would not be able to walk or talk.”
“I started doing Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy when I was 7. My mobility was bad, to the point that I could not walk independently until I was 8 years old. I continued to carry on therapy consistently. Throughout the years I have had good and bad stages. Good stages consist of good mobility, high energy and everyday activities. Bad days consisted of being bed-bound.”
“Through all my health difficulties, I continued through school. After that, I went to college and studied graphic design and accounting. After finishing college, I went on to university and got my degree in Business.”
“Whilst I was studying at university, I met my now fiancé, and I am now a mum to a beautiful little girl. Due to my ability to adapt and overcome, I have been able to look after my little girl completely independently. After I gave birth, I purchased my first home which I live in independently with my partner and baby.”
“Around a year ago, I started my own graphic design business. I make greeting cards by hand, designing, printing and packaging all the cards. I sell the cards online and in local shops, working during my daughter’s nap times and in the evenings.”
“Even with speech impediments I can speak confidently to clients, which enables me to expand my business. I actually started my business from face-to-face prospecting. Even though I was very nervous about my speech I was able to convey my business to the shop owners so well, that they were happy to buy my products and be loyal clients for my business.”
“Being my own boss makes it so much easier to handle my health, because no one has expectations of me, except myself. So, if I need a rest day, I can have it.”
“Alongside motherhood and working, I still do physio, occupational therapy and speech therapy every week and I do my best to stay consistent with therapies in-between sessions. I get my daughter involved with therapies to be able to stay consistent, which is a lot of fun and games for her!”
“I have learnt through the years that determination is so important, as it could be so easy to give up through the bad times. But through lots of hard work, I am able to live a life I love.”
Sarah recently told Rebecca:
“Thank you for sharing how you have adapted throughout your life with cerebral palsy to overcome challenges and achieve so much. You have such a great ‘can do’ attitude to life rather than a ‘can’t do’. You are an inspiration.”
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re proud to share Rebecca’s story and celebrate the achievements of everyone living with cerebral palsy who continue to challenge expectations, pursue their goals and live life on their own terms.
