My parents have always been unsure of the cause of the brain injury that led to my cerebral palsy, but mom had long suspected that it occurred shortly before birth. She went into labor with me which required dad to drive during an early February snowstorm to get to the hospital. On the way, lightening the moment, he was worried that mom would give birth to a gas bubble. (He was not too far from the truth!)

Still in labor upon arrival at the hospital, mom asked her doctors for an epidural injection so she would not feel any pain during my birth. She remarked years later that she did feel pain, always believing that the epidural needle did not go through her, but it somehow went through me.

If that happened, I did not feel any pain during my actual birth! If given the chance, I would not change anything.

I have devoted 39 years of my life to educating others about adversity, perseverance, and resilience. It’s our own challenges that are among our greatest gifts in life. I was given the *gift* of cerebral palsy and a hearing loss to be the voice for those who have difficulty speaking for themselves and who need to also embrace this way of thinking.

Our lives are fantastic dreams! I would be honored to inspire your colleagues and children to be the best.