Author: Jessica Grono

April is a strange month for me based on my life journey. Spring, flowers, and warmer weather are all associated with April. A new beginning for many, but April had a profound push to bring me to a new beginning eleven years ago. My first husband committed suicide unexpectedly leaving me a single mother with cerebral palsy after years of abuse. I overcame, but those dark years will always be with me. I met my husband after graduating college and moving back to my home. He seemed to be the smartest guy I knew at that point of my life. I…

Homeschooling awareness month is celebrated in May. Homeschooling is increasing in popularity. It has grown nearly four percent in the last decade. Teaching children at home by parents, tutors or educators are all genuine techniques of homeschooling. Homeschooling is certainly not for everyone.  It takes commitment. Organization, environment, the right teacher and the tools are all needed. Keeping track of grades, curriculum and the records are all just a part of the job. For many children and their families, this choice is awesome and the correct choice for them. However, homeschooling is a case by case scenario and  not everyone…

Cerebral palsy affects speech patterns and how people speak. Not everyone has a speech impediment, but it’s safe to say that speech impediments are common for those with cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, I believe having a speech impediment is why I had difficulty keeping friends and being taken seriously by some adults when growing up. Even though I had speech therapy, I might have benefited from a little extra help. The Teachers College of Columbia University is trying to help children with cerebral palsy who have speech impediments.  The staff is currently seeking applications for this summer three-week free camp to help…

Laura, my daughter, has been asking for a pet of her own.  We have dogs and cats, but she wanted an animal of all to herself.  I hesitated because I wanted to be sure that she had enough maturity and responsibility.  In March, she turned eleven and a half and I felt she had what it takes to care for her pet. In many previous conversations, we discussed what kind of pet would be good for Laura to get.  I, of course, wanted her to have a beta fish since they’re easy to take care of. She didn’t want that.…

Summer will finally be returning after many of us had a long bitter cold winter. Each season has a different impact on cerebral palsy. Muscles react to cold and warm weather differently, and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to adjust or ease some of the muscle tension and spastic movements.  Since summer temperatures can last for a few months, it is best to learn how to adapt before muscles take over. On a day that seems pleasantly warm and humid, my body paints a different story. Humidity is my cerebral palsy nightmare.  My involuntary movements react by jerking my arms,…

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. The limitations in one person might be completely different than the other person. One symptom, however,  remains the same in people who have cerebral palsy. Muscles become difficult to control to some degree for the person with cerebral palsy. The muscles can either be stiff, too relaxed, involuntary movements or a combination of all of these. When actions aren’t under your control, sometimes things can happen that you don’t want and leave you embarrassed, frustrated or sorry. Apologizing becomes all too common. I mainly have athetoid cerebral palsy, but I also have a combination of…

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that impacts the coordination and muscle tone. But, what about mental health with someone who has cerebral palsy? How does the physical impact of cerebral palsy affect the mental state? The Question Of Mental Health Several years ago, my attendant talked to me about her daughter who had cerebral palsy. She asked me if I ever took antidepressants for my mental health. At the time, I thought that this was a surprising question, but now I understand it a bit better.  By the way, no I have never took antidepressants for anything so far…

Being a breast cancer survivor and a person with cerebral palsy, staying healthy is very important!  Exercise helps keep muscles conditioned and good for health. I am a member at my local YMCA. Before Jason, I participated in Pilates class and used the arm bike.  However, Pilates stopped during pregnancy, and  I developed severe tendinitis preventing me from doing the arm bike. Being a breast cancer survivor, I know exercise is important to health and exercising  150 minutes a week is goal.  I joined a Pilates class. Sometimes when you use a wheelchair finding the right exercise program is tough.  The wheelchair limits…

I know that I’ve written before about what to do and expect if you are getting a double mastectomy. However, as we know, something new and ever changing is right around the corner. I wanted to provide you with some new tips and ideas before your surgery, what to pack for the hospital and how to have a comfortable as you possibly can recovery.  First and foremost I want to say that no matter how you got here in your life journey – you are a remarkable person. You are stronger than you realize and can move mountains with your…

Awesomeness day is the day we totally enjoy being awesome. Awesomeness day is elebrated on March 10. On this day, we both celebrate being awesome and strive to be awesome in every action we do. Use the day wisely and go out to make someone smile. Tell someone that they are awesome and why. Awesomeness day started back in 2007 by a few guys who wanted to be happy about the awesomeness in people they have ever met They thought that being awesome was something most people ignored or simply took for granted. So these guys took the idea and…