April 17 will always be celebrated as my Independence Day. I was born with cerebral palsy and for much of my life I have had to rely on a caregiver to do basically everything for me. But, on April 17, 2008 I had the baclofen pump surgery that would change my life for the better.
Baclofen is a muscle relaxer. It was my doctor’s hope that the pump would ease my spastic muscles to make it easier for someone else to care for me.
“However, after a week in the hospital I was putting on a shirt for the first time, by myself.”
When I was discharged from the hospital I started outpatient rehab five days a week for two months. My surgery was in the middle of April and at the end of May I walked across the stage at my high school graduation to a standing ovation.
After graduating high school, I went on to accomplish more goals I had once thought were unattainable. I moved out of my parents’ house with attendant care, but eventually figured out how to do all of my daily living skills on my own. I went to college becoming the first member of my immediate family to earn a bachelors and masters degree.
Success is earned through trials and tribulations. Every accomplishment I have made has definitely not come easy. But my past is my motivation for the future, and I’m grateful for every day. I live by this quote: “Perseverance – The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”
Thanks to Whitney Bailey for this original submission on achieving independence. Whitney is a motivational speaker/blogger who was born with cerebral palsy. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services and a master’s degree in special education. Utilizing her education and personal experiences, she advocates for people with disabilities, and shares her stories to motivate others to live life to the best of their capabilities.