Living with CP
Hi, my name is Brandon and I’m 11 years old. I had a stroke in utero and was diagnosed with left hemiplegia cerebral palsy. Most recently I began having seizures. I have been going to physical and occupational therapy since I can remember (my mom says I started at 10 months). I also do aquatic therapy every now and then. I love to play video games and play soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old with able-bodied kids. To play for DC United or for the US Men's National team has been a dream that I thought I would never be able to do. However, my mom stumbled upon CP Soccer which was brand new in Virginia. My parents did not hesitate and signed me up even though it was about an hour and fifteen minutes away without traffic. We have been going to CP soccer for almost two years now and it’s been the best that has ever happened to me. One of my coaches is a retired US Paralympic National Team soccer player! We learned there was a team for people like me and I’m eager to continue to work hard and play for USPMNT. With this program, I have been able to meet more USPMNT players and best of all, I made some really cool friends that share the same disability. You must think I don’t play with able-bodied kids anymore right?! Wrong! My parents keep me playing with them so I can continue to challenge myself to become a better runner and player. Living with CP has its challenges, but with all the inspiration that surrounds me, I keep pushing myself to get better. People like me just adapt and thrive. CP can’t and won’t stop me!
