How my parents found out I had cerebral palsy 

It's amazing how cruel some people can be and say such hurtful things. Thanks for sharing your story.

My parents knew when I couldn’t sit up on my own. I’ve not done bad in life all things considered. You are wonderful for what you do to raise awareness for CP.

You are a class act and Great role model.

I'm disabled from a head injury as a teenager, your positive attitude is incredibly inspiring. I struggle with the acceptance side of things sometimes because I had a sort of normal childhood before the head injury. You inspire me to help keep a positive attitude about the things I can't accept about the disability. I also think you're really pretty and I have a little crush on you 🥰

❤. My daughter-in law has CP and I have a amputated left below the knee leg. My prayers to you for strength and guidance in your life ahead of you Thanks for your courage to share it with us 🙏

I was a week late and in the last 24hrs turned myself ass backwards and wrapped my cord around my neck. That was that and I can't imagine my 40+ yrs without CP. CP is why I've thrived professionally and why I have two amazing kids. Chelsea keep on rolling with RU-vid if you like it. And always carry the disability mottos with you: "Nothing about us without us" and "Lead On, Ride On, Fly on". Cheers!

The circumstances we are dealt, mold us, over time, into the people we become. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Your little neck of the woods is a whole lot brighter for your family, and friends, because of who you are, and what you've gone through. I'm sure of it. Things happen for a reason.

You are an inspiration to so many and not just people with disabilities. Your positivity and outlook on life are amazing!

My son is 3 years old and was diagnosed with Quadrapalegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy at birth. He is the happiest kid I have ever met, smiles all the time like you. He now has a wheelchair and we are hopeful he will walk someday. You are a huge inspiration!!

Thanks for sharing your story, Chelsea. For me, I was born in 1967 and diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegia. My parents were told all the things I wouldn't be able to do when I was a kid. It was a very different time. I was able to get PT/OT/ST as a kid which prepared me for adulthood. Thanks for putting your life out there for others to understand. You're killin' it!!

I never really knew what CP was until I had been watching your videos. My son is 6 and watched you with me, and he asked why you walk like that Chelsea and I was able to explain why and show his some more of your videos. He has now learnt that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you through having CP (he also learnt that his Dad is smitten with you), but there is a reason for your condition and you are a person like everyone else, but just that you have your own special walk and that you are special. I think it's so great that kids especially, can learn early on that disabilities doesn't make people different besides maybe they walk different, or can't walk, or are not able to do things like they ordinarily would, but they are the same as anyone else and have other amazing gifts that maybe they don't have or I don't have. To be fair, my son understands that people have different skills, abilities, feelings, and beliefs, but people like you, Chelsea, are changing the world for the better for anyone with a disability, so that everything is better understood. Its also great as school has changed in the UK so that most kids with disabilities all go to the same schools as all the other kids, so its much more normal for them all. We have some disbaled kids at our snooker academy that I coach at and that my son goes to, and they are just like the other kids. They have different needs, but they don't get treated any differently, and all the kids get on great, and there is no divide or stigma like when I was a kid, and I love mixing with all the kids regardless. There is much more issue with badly behaved children over a child being disabled. I have had to go through the stigma of having had mental health problems, and when you are in the military, it can be really bad with how you are treated. Even my Dad, who was the Navy at the same time as me, used to rip me for going to the Naval mental health unit. It was horrible. I also have chronic pain syndrome from nerve damage, and people find that hard to believe as they can't see it. I have lived on strong painkillers and other medications for nearly fifteen years, and people just seem to think that I just take this stuff and wouldn't rather not have to and suffer all day long. I was registered disabled at university so I could get extra support due to my mental health problems. Also long term illness that is now likely fibromalgia (waiting on final diagnosis (my sister has it also and is registered disabled)) is difficult to live with as people can't see it and don't realise how horrendous it is. Thank you for everything that you do, Chelsea. You never complain, and in actual fact, you have made my life better by inspiring me. I have made huge steps forward this past week alone, thanks to your videos. You keep smiling and it's wonderful, and yes, I have a crush on you.

It's wonderful that you are not dwelling on the negative aspects of your disability. You are a great role model for those with CP and all disabled people. Keep doing what you are doing.

My sister Jessica was deprived of oxygen during a emergency cesarean section in 1985 in Kissimmee Florida. She was diagnosed as Developmentally Delayed until my mom got into the Shriners hospital in Tampa. We were given the diagnosis of CP at 2yrs old. Jessie never progressed beyond the development of a 6 month old, we were blessed to have 18 years with her and this April she has been gone for 20 years. I love your story and you are a wonderful representative of the positives of CP. 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

I was diagnosed around age two..I was born three months early and the doctor told my mom there was the risk of cp. My mom picked me up one day and saw my legs scissor. Being a nurse she knew what that meant..

That was awesome. I bet your parents are proud of how far you have come in life. You are an inspiration to me. God bless you and your family. Stay safe

I was the 2nd twin. The 2nd twin (in birth order) has a higher chance of getting CP. No one is sure on why it happens. We (my sister and I) were 2 month preemies, but my sister came out "normal". Like Chelsea said, it's the only life we know, so we can't tell people what we miss in the life we never had. If the brain damage didn't affect our intelligence (severe brain damage), CP actually make us smarter in terms of thinking "outside of the box". If we are in a moment facing a physical problem that's blocking us from achieving something, we will try to think "outside of the box" on how we could get around the problem without asking for help (when possible). This make us very stubborn, but in a good way, fighting for our independence, at least as long as possible.

My name is Jackeline Cristabel and I diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 4 year old. I do rehabilitation. It didn't stopped me from going to college. I graduated from two colleges.

Overcome and adapt, your a strong woman, love watching your videos, full of enthusiasm, keep doing what you do , upstate new york

I knew nearly nothing about CP until I started watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing them. I've learned a lot and look forward to learning a lot more. Your smile and your attitude are uplifting, and your strength is contagious. You said that you concentrate on things you can control, and that is good advice for many situations. You exhibit courage where it is unexpected. I feel inspired by you. Thanks again!

Thanks for sharing. Your story and straightforward explanation is awesome. God Bless . Please be safe. Mike.

You say it took until you were 3 to be diagnosed BUT your doctor(s) had a suspicion and so your parents were extremely proactive to give you the best outcome later in life. That is the key with anything is early proactive care. Even if it isn’t 100% correct at least you are helping with development and preventative care. Your parents and doctor(s) were and are amazing seeing how active and mobile you are. The other thing is that you try a lot of things able bodied people wouldn’t try which says a lot about you and your family’s lineage.

We can relate with everything that you are talking about. I was a premature baby born 2 months early. I was diagnosed right away. My mom being the oldest of nine children realized there were a lot of things I couldn’t do as I was developing as a baby. I didn’t walk until I was 5 and had 2 surgeries by the time I was 7 which gave my legs a lot of strength to walk. I was born 55 years ago. I am one of 10 children and so blessed. I have been married for 27 years but have no children because my husband had radiation from a cancer diagnosis before we got together. I wasn’t meant to be a mom but have done well with my life. I worked until just recently this year and retired early. Thank you for sharing!!!

It takes a lot of courage to discuss your situation. Nature, people or animals, only the strong and young survive. Weaker, injured in one way or another and getting older, are those who are forgotten about. Look at older people. Only till the last few years, has their been a surge in building places for seniors. Being weak or handicapped is now being handled much better. Those who can't contribute to society and nature, are usually forgotten about. Not as bad now, in humans that is. When I started dating and even before, I treated those people who were older and handicapped, like a human being, and not one to lock up and throw the key away. You happen to be a beautiful and attractive woman. If I was single, I would definitely want to get to know you and other handicapped people. I care about all people. Please keep the videos coming, so we can follow you. You brighten up my day, each time I see you.

Thank you for continuing to share your story. I hope you are aware how much you are helping individuals and families round the world. Big hug from Spain! ❤

You are so strong, love that about you, you Rock Earth.

Great parents. They went proactive and started you pt and ot early. I don't have CP myself but I do have Spina Bifida and mom, on her own did the best she could to raise me when the docs said I probably wouldn't make it till I was 18. Well, I'm now 42 and still here

Chelsea, Thank you for sharing your experience with your RU-vid videos. It always makes me smile !!! I was born a month premature and had eating and digestive problems from the beginning. Life around me felt too fast, as though I needed to catch up. My coordination was poor and my words slow in forming complete sentences. I was not diagnosed with CP until I was a junior in high school ! Now that I am much older, and getting excellent assistance to help me navigate the intensity of spastic CP.......I AM HAPPY TO KNOW WHY MY YOUNGER SELF WORKED SO HARD AND STRUGGLED SO MUCH. No need for any child or adult to feel shamed for being themselves.

My neighbor when I was very little had a severe form of cp where she was wheel chair bound and had an intellect much lower than her actual age though I think she was a few yrs older than me. I used to go to her house after school and try and teach her things I learned that day. Some of the kids made fun of me but I didn't care (mean people suck) I just though it was fun I could teach an older person something. I thought for the longest time that there was only one form of cp so it's cool your spreading the word that it's very different for each person.

“I was just chillin’ as a baby” 🤣🤣🤣

Thank you for sharing and educating us.

Thank you for sharing the CP story 🙏

You amaze me with your attitude and drive. After my stroke I would give anything to be able to walk like you. I cherish you cause of your attitude ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Congrats with ur channel, u r awesome 👍👍

I was born in 1983 And premature They didn't figure out that I had CP until I was 4 years old when I didn't hit some of those milestones Like sitting up crawling That kind of deal. But to be honest I wouldn't change a thing Because I've learned so much. Of myself and people I have compassion and empathy I try to look at everything from different viewpoints. Because everybody's life experience is a little different. I love your Channel.

I've found this Young lady very informative . Up until now I was pretty much In the dark About Cerebral palsy I had always thought That it affected the speech too I didn't know Needless to say I listen to this video and it was very informative She is a pretty young lady which I would like to get to know better I wish I lived in Florida . I firmly believe it is not a disability It is a different ability. Thank you so much Chelsea For your videos.❤

Yes, learning a good bit about CP. Thank you. I greatly appreciate what you do.

I learned a whole lot this time. You have a good grasp of your situation and it appears you handle it very well and I love that you always have a smile. You're a special young lady keep up the good work.

Hi Chelsea! I recently discovered your channel and I appreciate you sharing your experience with us, a someone living with CP. :D

❤❤❤ your short videos and how this disability doesn’t get you down and you keep going I myself have certain disability’s not like yours but non the less I keep going everyday keep the videos coming ❤❤❤.

7:36 Sooo relatable!!! I get told that kinda “victim” type stuff all the time. Glad to not be alone in the “this is all I’ve ever known” mentality.

My parents took my to see a doctor when I was about a year old because I kept on stumbling and falling when I walked. So, at the age of one, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy affecting my right side (hemiplegia). The doctors said that I probably had a prenatal stroke that resulted in my CP. Over the years, I went for different therapies to minimize the condition (speech therapy, ongoing assessments, surgery, etc.), but I considered myself lucky as I saw that other kids with CP were much more affected than I was. Now that I'm older, I can feel the effects of a life-time with my right leg being shorter and my right side being weaker. My orthopaedist that I was seeing as a child and teenager once told me that later in life, I would have problems with my left hip and leg because it would have had a life-time of compensating for my weaker right side. He just never told me how fast the next 45 years would go by.

Love this, thank you

Ur a beautiful person inside an out. An I new nothing about it. But now I do. Thanks for for sharing ur story an ur videos. Ur an inspiration an not just to those with CP. Keep up the videos.

Hi Chelsea I grew up in the 70s, 80s little bit older than you there's not only the physical disabilities from accidents, diseases but also mental and back then the only support community was attending group meeting and as you mentioned today you have social media and can have Zoom meeting with other people, the science and medical field has come along way they can diagnose and find the problem alot quicker and more accurate love your enthusiasm xoxo ❤

You are Amazing, beautiful & such an inspirational role model! Thank you for sharing your back-story.

Beautiful young lady that you are. If you were my daughter in law I would be very proud of you and my son. Hope you have a great day.

You are Beautiful.. With Loving Heart.. Thank you...♥️

I was born with CP also. I was born vaginally and I always thought if I was born c section I would be fine. I don't think you realize how this video has helped me accept my condition more than I ever have. Thank you Chelsea ❤

You're a keeper. God Bless You

My twins were born the same year as you and Jenny had the umbilical cord around her neck which is what caused her CP. she was 6 months old when she was diagnosed. It was evident that she was not progressing like her sister. She has the same type of CP that you have. When she was 16 she went through an operation when the cut the bones in both he legs and rotated them she it would improve her walking. While it had a very long recovery it was worth it for her because she said she fell 50 times a day before the operation while only 2 times a day afterwards.

Thanks!

Thank you for sharing your story. I really love your positivity throughout your videos.

YOU ARE THE BEST CHELSEA😊 Thank you

We knew pretty straight away... or at least felt straight away (it was a whirlwind of... just everything. Emotions, activity, new job) that our daughter had it. It was a very trying time getting her to the point where she could get out of the hospital. She is smart. She is funny. She is clever, sweet, very outgoing. She can also walk. I couldn't have asked for more. She's going to school soon and I hope and know she will do well being the social butterfly she is. Her condition affects her a little differently. She might not need a scootzmobile (Unless she goes on a long hike maybe..? For now, she has me to carry her if need be. That being said I try to get her to be as independent as I can. Being a parent overall is pretty hard trying to be and do everything for my kids. In any case, I don't normally comment on videos, but I felt compelled to do so here. Watching these videos is incredibly endearing. Hope that helps you out with the almighty YT algorithm lol.

My sister has mild cp.CPR. love your videos!👏

Hey thank you so much for telling your story it helps other people who have CP not feel alone. I have CP as well so Thank you so much

you are very good in front of the camera, nice presentation style, easy to understand :)

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤❤❤❤

Thank you for sharing your story, and I did learn some new things from you.

My son has a mild form of CP and we didn't know until his eyesight was getting bad with a lazy eye. Then the testing started and confirmed. He was 7 weeks premature and c-section. He was born blue/Grey colour and panic in the doctors face made me scared. Confirmed something happened during that c-section that caused his CP.

You are stunning , Chelsea !

Sorry this is a long ramble, but i just love sharing my story as well. In my country CP is seen as childhood illness, as if once you're an adult, your brain damage has no adverse effects on you... I had a neonatal injury and was clinically dead for 8 minutes. Wasn't reaching many physical development milestones right of the bat. My mum took me to as much physical therapy as she could during even that first year, so maybe that's why i fared so much better than some others with CP. I was officially diagnosed at 12 months after it became apparent i was not going to take my first steps at the time. But i persevered and started walking at 18 months. I am not visibly disabled, at least in terms of how i walk and talk. Just a little clumsy and weird, is all. I do consider myself very lucky in that sense, and that i was afforded ample opportunity for physical therapy and rehabilitation (universal healthcare ftw)

I completely understand your situation I also have cerebral palsy I’m 61

I absolutely love how Real you are, the way you express yourself is amazing ❤❤ keep it going beautiful

First off, Thank You for your videos. I've watched most of them and as an "Able Body" individual, I really wasn't sure how to verbalize a comment without causing a problem these days. (Which sux, people are people). Coming from my perspective, I may stare, or look a bit longer than normal, just because your gate is out of the ordinary. Then once my pea brain comprehends, all is back to normal. People being people........ I do love your vids, cause, they explain things from your perspective, (one that I couldn't possibly understand), and help me understand. I do think that the imperfections in us .... help to make us who we are, and without them, we'd all be clones. Sorry for the long winded reply. Keep up the Vids!! And I wish you all the best.

Very informative vlog

Sharing is the best

Very positive mindset, that's awesome 👍

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference" .... Perhaps you were born with this ailment to bring attention to it and to help others as I am sure you already have, GOD Bless you young lady, LOVE & Blessings to you in the name of JESUS...

Thanks for the education. Love ya!❤

You are an Absolute Gem!

wow u nailed it to the T u did an awesome job. your my new hero even though I older than u Chelsea Bear .... lol ...

Beautiful soul!! ❤️❤️

Thank you thumbs up

Thanks for sharing!

You are so gorgeous! Unbelievable smile

You are a lovey young woman. Keep you head up. You are so much more than the nay sayers. I would be proud to call you my friend. ❤

Great information

Courageous Woman

Thank you, I really appreciate the information. I was the one who said that I had gone out with a woman with CP and I didn’t measure up to what she wanted. Now I understand why. She worked very hard at getting where she was and had a good job and a car and I had neither. Just watching your videos have helped me really appreciate how much she put into her life and how she wanted someone who had put at least as much into their life as she had put into hers. Thank you again.

Me also got disability when i was only 8 months old. We have only age different...

Hi Chelsea my name is Kelly and I was born with Spina Bifida and I will be 51 on April 11th

I got my disability from birth as well

Having CP myself I know that I fall a lot how many times a week do you fall I'd be about once a week but I'm 55 years old

You may have a disability, but you are clearly not disabled. Keep rockin strong lady!

Today is my birthday I am 48 years old .

There's my queen 👸❤😍

Beautiful and smart......I don't see a problem here.

Hi chelsea your beauitful hun x

Such a beautiful person.

Hi I'm Lee & was born kind of cp that affects my right side only

I was premature two months didn’t find out until I was like eight months old and the nurse who told my mom told it in the worst way possible Your child has cerebral palsy unfortunately they will never walk again and will be most likely wheelchair bones and won’t really amount to much sadly Me being able to run : Sorry what are you say

Cheslea you are absolutely stunning, you have a great personality and I for one would love to take you out on a date

Hello beautiful shout from england

God bless

You are at your best, game on. Keep it up, you should be getting paid to make these videos. God Bless You

Do you visit CP centers across the country as a positive role model?

pondering the "what if's" is, only natural. I commend you for acknowledging that these thoughts do cross your mind. yet, you work to not obsess over them. imho the less you grab for something, the less likely that you will hold onto it....

You are beautiful,you remind me of Addison Rae . Infectious personality and articulate

You know Chelsea that when God gives certain people the hard disability’s it’s for a special reason it’s because you can handle it and you are blessed for that. When you go home and leave this school “earth” you’ll see love you beautiful!