Keeping It Real: Miracle’s Story

By Miracle Pelayo

We recently connected with Miracle Pelayo, a model, actress, and content creator with cerebral palsy based in Los Angeles, California to talk career, her story, and more.

Tell us about yourself. For example, how would your best friends describe you?

I have a very outgoing personality! My friends would say I’m like a giant teddy bear because I love to give hugs to everyone. My friends would also describe my personality as funny and joyful. The best way to describe me is like the character Joy from the movie Inside Out. I always try to see the positive in life.

What are your hobbies? What do you love to do? What brings you joy? 

My hobbies include acting and fashion contests. I loved playing pretend as a little girl, making up stories and being in front of our home video camera thinking I had my own tv show. My Mom would dress me in the cutest outfits for school when I was in 4th grade and my fashion style grew from there and so I started being a fashion content creator and I absolutely love it. I also love to write in my journal and put my thoughts on paper. It is so relaxing.

How did you get into acting and content creation? What drew you to it?

I got into acting because it has always been something I dreamed of doing since I was 4! I wanted to be a voice in the performing arts for anyone who wanted to chase the dream like I did. My family has always been supportive of my decision and I believe that representation in the media is so important. I wanted to break down the walls of seeing someone like me on screen and I wanted to be the person to open that door for other people.

I started being a content creator because I would often see disability from the perspective of medical views from all the doctor appointments, and surgeries, which is something I experienced. I thought, “How can I make it more fun?” I have always loved fashion and dressing up, and I also wanted to help young girls feel confident in their wheelchairs no matter what. That’s why I started “Making Cerebral Palsy Beautiful.”

What do you wish other people knew about CP?

What I would love for people to know about CP is that they don’t have to be afraid to ask questions about the journey of having the disability. I want people to be more open about being curious about our experience. It will create a wonderful conversation. We might have to do things a little differently but we are capable of anything.

What’s the most challenging part of having CP?

The most challenging part about my journey with CP is dealing with a lot of pain at times from all the surgeries I had growing up. For example, my hips getting stiff when it gets cold. Another challenge is not having the best immune system. I have to constantly make sure that I don’t catch a cold because it takes me a while to recover but I always push through.

What CP research, if any, has shaped your life or perspective on your disability?

The research that helped me the most was when we were trying to find the right OT Clinic when I was 2. Sadly, it’s not around anymore, but I’m forever grateful for my OT therapist who made me strong.

What assistive tech, If any, has helped you live your life?

I don’t use any tech with my CP. However, I do use another mobility aid besides a wheelchair and that is my K Reverse walker to help me walk.

You can learn more about Miracle and her acting career by going to her website.

Want to share your experiences on living with CP? Join the Faces of CP community.

Miracle’s story is part of KEEPING IT REAL — a series of personal stories that will take you deeper into the lives of people with CP. Each person makes different choices based on what works for them, and we’ll showcase that — highlighting what life is like for them on a daily basis, what they care about, and the ways CP impacts them.

The KEEPING IT REAL 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, medical endorsement, or other 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.