CARE & GIVING: Liz’s Story

CARE & GIVING: Liz's Story*

Why I Give. . . 

Growing up with cerebral palsy, Liz knew she wanted to be a mom. Today, we celebrate her and all moms with CP — the challenges you face, the adaptations you make, and the forces you are in the world.

Liz realized being a parent was possible when she saw her neighbor — a mom with CP — out and about, using adaptive equipment, and getting things done.

As a successful life coach, CPARF Community Leader, and proud parent of three — her son, Cole, is 10, and her twin daughters, Audrey and Scarlett, are 7 — Liz knew motherhood would be a real challenge. “The hardest thing as a new mom with CP,” she says, “was not being able to carry my kids when they were little. But I’m adaptable and I know how to pivot, so when those little hands would reach up for me, I would instead go down to them.”

Even though her kids now understand how her CP affects her, she says, “it always hurts when you can’t be present for your kids the way your heart wants to, and you see others are present with theirs. But at the end of the day, you love your kids, you do the best you can —and that’s enough.” 

"Giving to CPARF is so important because the health, wellness, and quality of life for people with CP impacts the whole family.” -Liz V.

Like Liz, everyone with CP has to adapt to an inaccessible world — but no one should have to do it alone. CPARF’s added focus on innovation will make accessibility affordable and get assistive and adaptive devices to the people who need them. And we can only do it with your support.

Your gift will change lives, open doors, and increase accessibility. By giving today, you’ll change what’s possible for Liz and everyone with CP.

*Liz's story is part of CARE & GIVING.This series covers a few different aspects of the cerebral palsy community. It features the experiences of those who care about and for people with cerebral palsy, including parents and caregivers, therapists, paraprofessionals, and other allies. It also highlights donors who have made it their mission to move cerebral palsy forward, because care and giving go hand in hand.

The CARE & GIVING blog is intended solely to raise awareness about the varied human experience with cerebral palsy and shouldn't be read or construed to contain any medical advice or medical endorsement by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. Only you and your doctor know what's best for you. Please consult your doctor for medical advice.