Born and Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy

Today's post was written by guest blogger Jennifer R. Resetar

Born and Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy

On February 17, 1986, I was born to David and Sabrina Ysidron at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Throughout my life, I was told that my birth was a difficult one. I was also told that I’ve lost oxygen to my brain for a few minutes. At the time, I was not diagnosed with any birth conditions, but overtime, my adoptive parents, Dave and Jeannie Locklear, noticed I was not reaching certain milestones that other babies might have reached. In June of 1986, I was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy.

Most babies learn to walk within their first year. I learned to walk when I was three years old. Most parents have the great privilege of teaching their children how to walk whereas I was taught by the staff at the Tampa, Florida branch of the United Cerebral Palsy. I’ve been told by a family member that I did not learn how to talk until I was at least four or five years old. Now I am fluent in English, Spanish and basic French. I am also able to pick up on the other Latin based languages such as Italian and Portuguese. I can also speak a few words in Chinese with the help of a book that I have that labels the chapters in English and Chinese.

Once I was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy, I went to physical therapy quite often as a young child. This is where the United Cerebral palsy comes into my life. They helped me with everything from crawling to walking. To this day, I still communicate with the Central Florida Chapter of the UCP.

Having to learn things the hard way has taught me at a young age that very few things in life are easy. I’ve had to grow up at a young age and overtime, I have become sensitive to the trials of life and I understand when someone is going through a difficult time. Being born and diagnosed with Cerebral palsy has given me the natural ability to be able to help others and understand their feelings.

Thanks to Jennifer for this guest blog. If you would like to guest blog for, please contact Gene at RehaDesign "AT"