Tag: TeenCP


I wish…

29
December

Sometimes we need things, sometimes we want things, and sometimes we wish for these wants…. we wish for the moment when a dream becomes reality…but we know that this dream is only a dream, and it is in that moment that reality is as real as ever.

Sometimes, I wish for things too…

I wish for nice legs

I wish for pretty toes and feet

I wish for even hips and a straight spine

I wish for the grace of a ballerina

I wish to wear high heels like all of the other fashionistas

I wish to strut a catwalk with an impeccable stride

I wish to sprint, to run faster than a rush of adrenaline

I wish to play soccer, to really play soccer

These wishes are mine, I have longed for these to be true for me quite often…but I am writing this tonight because I also want you to know that these wishes are simply my fantasies. Something to smile about. Would like be better if my dreams were my reality? Maybe. But that is why they are defined as fantasies…they are meant to be better, to be unrealistic, and a little bit irrational. So when I do long for these things to be true, I think to myself, “would I even be the same person if I was a dancer, fashionista, or even if I was a runway model, or a runner, or an athelete?” Granted, my physical health would be more stable, and my future health– a bit more secure if I did not have to worry about my weak hips or my stiff knees and ankles…but this is me and I am proud of who I have become!

Well, I wrote this about two days ago when I was feeling a little yucky inside and had to let this sit with me because I don’t know how this will come across to some of you TeenCPers. I just know that I want to be real with everyone and show that I’m not always “happy go lucky” about my CP–I have my moments when I wish for things to be different, but all in all I know that CP has made me stronger because I have learned not to take the small things for granted. And I hope you can relate to that because that is what I really wish for.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and spent some time with your family and friends. Let’s bring in the new year on a good note, TeenCP! Here we come 2012. :)

I don’t know much yet since it all happened so fast, but I am going to be interviewed tomorrow morning by a national television program about TeenCP and everything I do and have done to get to where I am…I am nervous, but what a great opportunity and solid way to finish the year! I hope this brings more awareness to all us teens out there dealing with disabilities…REPRESENT!

Talk soon…stay cool kids–

-Katy

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CP Coffee Talk!

21
October

Hi all,

I am in much better spirits this week! Definitely happy it is the weekend, and happy that I am feeling, well–happier! I know this transition is going to be a continual thing for me, but it is nice to be staying busy and planning a movie night here at Soka for a great cause that helps bring attention to something that not only I am passionate about, but affects me on such a personal level. So far, the date is set now for Thursday November 10th at 8PM and I have the Humanism in Action club here on campus helping me promote this lil fundraiser! I think its great that we can enjoy a cool movie in our nice lecture hall while still supporting OMF in their efforts to build centers for children with disabilities. There is still much to be done to made this possible and successful, but it is nice that I will have the club to help me out now!

Because this is quite a personal thing, I am not going to bring forth any names here but I just want to share with you all, a conversation I am in the middle of with another teen with CP. I’ll call this a “CP coffee talk” because im sitting here drinking some coffee and it just sounds like it fits. I feel like many of you guys can or have been able to relate to this at some point in time. We talked a bit about how daunting it can be to realize that CP is something that will be with us for a lifetime. And yes, it is scary to think about sometimes… there are times when you just want to be free of any adversity and be able to relate equally with other teens, whether that be with sports, or dances, or dating… we all just have to approach these situations a little differently because of our CP. And I think that is okay. It teaches us invaluable information about ourselves that most people never get a chance to see in their entire lives.

I’m going to be real here and let you know that it has taken me years…(my whole life!) to see this a bit clearer. And I STILL feel lost and confused sometimes about my own CP and I do find difficulty in seeing the the positive in it some days. It is not easy…life is not easy. I dont like having Cerebral Palsy, to be blunt, I don’t really know anyone who tells me how great and fun it is having CP…. BUT I will tell you that I have found that Cerebral Palsy has made me such a stronger person, that I dont think I could be myself without CP. And that’s also something I’ve found in talking to others with CP. We all couldn’t imagine life without it. It’s a blessing and a curse, in short. I hope I am not making too many assertions here about what it is like, having CP because I do realize CP affects everyone very very differently. I am just here to express my thoughts as a teen with CP :)

I’m off to run some errands, have a GREAT weekend and I will keep you guys up to date about the movie night and all things important!

-Katy

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Calling all SoCal TeenCP supporters!

14
September

Hi everyone!

So classes are in full swing down here at Soka, and it is taking a lot of getting used to, but I am learning to be patient with myself and my new surroundings!

I would like to share with you all, this fundraiser my family and I are putting on at the end of the month for OM Foundation (www.1man1mission.org) In short, we are trying to raise as much money as we can to help Bonner Paddock, the founder of OMF (and local OC friend with CP! ) in his efforts to build centers around the world for children with disabilities. OMF needs our help, and that is why we are putting on an event at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach called “It’s a Beautiful Life Health Expo.” At the event, Bonner Paddock will speak and share his story with CP, and several other experts involved in Health, Fitness, and Beauty will be there offering deals and informing the public about their services. We will have raffles, prizes, and even a showing of Beyond Limits, a documentary of Bonner’s climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro!  We hope to gain the attention of hundreds of people around Orange County who are willing to support our cause. If you know anyone who lives in Orange County, (maybe that’s you!) please pass on this link and get them involved! There are several prizes involved, and when you register, you get in for free! Donations are accepted and encouraged, as 100% of the proceeds go to OMF!! We appreciate all the support and hope that together, we can make this night successful and promising. Here is the link for more information: http://www.healthexpo.tspot.org/# Even if you cannot attend the event, you can still donate to our cause! You can stay right here and click on the button bottom of this site (I think) and all your donations, however big or small will be help!! Or you can go to www.1man1mission.org and donate there! Either way, your money will go directly to OMF and building these centers for children with disabilities all over the world, and right here in Orange County. I hope that you will consider donating, no amount is too small! Thanks for tuning in guys, and even as teens, we can still make a difference.

-Katy

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[Attempting] SUA College Soccer with Cerebral Palsy

21
August

Hi Guys!

I’m pretty proud of myself for getting back on here within the week haha :)

Alright, Alright….So what I had promised you all in my previous post is that I would talk about last week when I had the best of intentions to play on Soka’s womens soccer team. Last weekend I was down in the weight room and was approached by the coach asking anyone and everyone who was a female student if they have any experience playing soccer…and so of course I blurt out, “well yeah if 11 years of AYSO soccer counts toward anything” and a half hour later I was on the roster to practice the next day. I was stoked! What freshman who wasn’t recruited (CP aside) gets asked to play on the team. Anyway, I was also a bit nervous going into it…I am a bit out of shape, not nearly enough in soccer shape with the whole lack of balance and coordination that CP joyously brings along. Long story short, I pull out my old cleats and jog it out with the team (all of 13 girls–hardly enough to qualify as a full college soccer team) I knew they were just looking for anyone who had knowledge of the game and could be a body on the field or a sub on the sidline…but after 2 days of 2-a-days my legs were ready to scream bloody murder. Not only that, but the walk back to my dorm room and all over campus was brutal… I was way in over my head, and this pace of game was just too physically demanding of me, I felt. I spoke with the sports medicine trainer and the coach and we decided it was best that I get myself in condition to play soccer and maybe next season I will feel more confident playing alongside these girls. Not only that, but physically, I felt like I could easily injure myself because my ankle is pretty unstable right now.  It is so nice though, all the soccer girls still make me feel included and still want me to come out to all the games. :) So yeah, that was my breif but very intense intro to college sports! Haha…kinda crazy, and I am glad i gave it a shot at least. Part of me wanted to stay on the team just to prove that I could do it, but that is just my stubborness talking and I didnt want to end up hating the game of soccer.

Have any of you played high school/college sports? What was your experience with that, with having CP and everything? Did you feel hindered by your CP at all?

Well I must get back to reading Western Philosophy–Plato! Last week it was Confucius and Lao-tzu…lovin every new bit, it makes me think!

Take Care TeenCPers.

-Katy

Look its little Katy ;)

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1, 2, 3, — A, B, TeenCP!

28
June

Hi there!

Hmm, so I’m contemplating 3 things….

A) What to write (which almost never happens)

B) In which direction to take TeenCP this next year of its existence, as I have one year left as a teen AND it’ll be TeenCP’s 2nd birthday is coming up on July 26th, aw! and WOW!)

C) What type of fundraiser to do for OMF (www.1man1mission.org) *check out my first post in the blog section!* (Something that is a  little more original than a fun run with sponsors)

So, with my thoughts layed out on the table, I want to hear from you guys, my readers, TeenCPers, supporters–what should I do?! I think it would be great to get some ideas flowing…think of this post as a suggestion box. :) Because with part C, if I decide to collaborate with one or moreof your ideas, I say we all work together on fundraising somehow! That way we can all be a part of TeenCP as a team. Rather than just me, putting all my words out there like I normally do. I’d love to create TeenCP into a name that’s not just recognized as a blog…. it could become a club, a team to OMF… I think that would be so cool, but only if you guys think so too. I have to have all you guys on-board if I make changes to TeenCP!

For now, I’m preparing for Europe, laying in the sun, going to the gym, and enjoying my summer! I hope you’ll do the same :) Take care, stay happy and health this summer season!

PS. This pic was taken in the early morning…I was in awe!

-Katy

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TeenCPers, I’m baaack!

22
June

Hello Hello! It has been much too long, my fellow TeenCPers, but I have a valid reason…. final exams, end of school activities, graduation… it was all too much fun! I am glad things have slowed down, andit it officially summer as of yesterday! My favorite season of the year :) Congrats to any TeenCP grads this year, how fun! 2011 is a great year so far. I hope things are low key for all of you guys on summer break. And if it’s not, I hope you are off traveling or doing something adventurous and memorable! Now is the time in our lives to be doing something worthwhile (or even doing a whole lot of nothing while we can!)

Hmm so what is on the agenda for July, everyone? Any plans? celebrations? vacations?

I will be spending my 19th birthday traveling around France and Belgium with my sister and friends who are kind enough to show us around. How cool is that? I’ve long antcipated this trip, and it is finally arriving! We leaving LAX on the 4th of July, have a layover at JFK in one of my favorite cities (NYC–too bad we cant stay for some fireworks!) and then we wll be crossing the pond right on into Paris :) Any suggestions as far as places to see in Paris beyond the given tourist attractions? I love little local cafes and vintage stores…

Today I am writing my first blog entry on the OMF website! I am so excited to be writing even more–especially about being a teen with CP and spreading awareness about the true needs of a teen with CP…let’s see how many people we can reach through TeenCP and OMF combined! A little side note, the OM Foundation www.1man1mission.org is a non-profit organization founded by Bonner Paddock (a local OC friend with CP!) OMF is currently working on several projects to create centers for childrens with disabilities around the world. Let’s go help them make that more possible by raising money and awareness for these kids! Any fund raiser is appreciated–a lemonade stand, a fun run with sponsors…you can make a difference too! :)

On another note, I hope all you fathers out there had a great time with your little ones… My family and I went up to Santa Monica/Venice for a nice hike in Will Rogers State Park, which is near Topanga Canyon for those of you who may be more familiar with that name. It was such a great hike…except sometimes I forget how useful a walking stick would be… it gives ya that extra push if one side is a bit weaker. And not even exclusive to having CP–they are just so helpful if you struggle with hills or balancing. A quick question–do any of you have the outside of your foot get really sore after a strenuous work out? I really don’t know how to shake that feeling off…I’ll post some photos…because believe it or not, I brought my camera! (that’s a first :p )

Well, I am off to do a bit of thinking for OMF… let’s hope the sun comes out so I can hit the beach! June gloom, YUCK.

Take care guys, and I’ll be on again soon now that I am school free for a few months.

-Katy

My bro matt and me, when I got tired :)

Twins!

Overlooking the Pacific Palisades.

The fam (minus two) on fathers day.

graduation day! love them.

We did it Sara :)

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Five Things

8
June

1. I did not make the cut to speak at graduation… (mixed feelings?)

2. I did, however get interviewed by the LA Times for a poem I wrote on Social Injustice…. Had to mention TeenCP…..(yay!)

3. I have one more final exam, two more days of school, and seven days until I graduate…. (crazy, surreal, busy)

4. I went on a ten mile bike ride without foot straps for security….. photo above is the trail (great experience, bad idea)

4. I urge you to check out my friend’s new album Beyond Reason under HOW2 available on Itunes. :)  Taylor and Tanner Howe are locals to HB, and they formed a band in the recent years…. they are so talented….  take a listen! They both are active singers in our schools and community and deserve to be known beyond our little circle of friends.

-Katy

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A Clumsy TeenCPer!

1
June

Hi There,

So much has happened in this past week, It is hard to keep up! Hope you all are fine and dandy on this June Day!

Sooo, I didn’t make it to the finals of the 17magazine cover contest…I am disappointed, but still somewhat happy I made it as far as I did. Instances like this, just make me want to try that much harder on the next opportunity. You can check out the finalists on www.seventeen.com/prettyamazing …these girls are still doing great things, even if its not as cool and “amazing” as TeenCP :p

In other news, I will be meeting with Bonner Paddock and a few of his team members at OM Foundation in the coming weeks to discuss working toward raising money for the centers for children with disabilities that he is building in Tanzania, Africa..and even here in OC, California! Yay! So excited to become more involved. I’ll be writing on their web soon, so keep an eye out!www.1man1mission.org… and while you’re on there, feel free to donate or order a copy of Beyond Limits. :)

I have a quick story to tell you guys…. is it just me or does being nervous AND having CP make matters just that much more difficult?? It seems like whenever I am around a guy I find the slightest bit attractive, my muscles tense up sooo much, and all my ideas of walking smoothly go out the window. Is that just a CP thing? Well anyway, I ended up almost tripping over my own two feet as this guy and I were walking into class the other day, and I felt like such a lame-o! He kind of just awkwardly sat down in his seat and we didnt really speak after that. During those moments, I keep trying to get myself to just loosen up those legs, but the message just gets lost in translation and I am left with the coordination of a sloth…. Any TeenCPers out there who feel my pain? It makes me feel sucky sometimes… like my CP gets in the way of just having everyday, easy interactions… I know I work myself up too much about it, but I cant help it! My nerves just kick it up an extra level and make my gait worse,  and I feel a bit let down when things like that happen. Why can’t we all figure out how to skip all that awkwardness and just find that person who gets you? Someday, right?

Anyway, that’s all for now. I have to practice my grad speech [poem]… the speakers will be announced Friday, and I have to present myself in front of the selection committee today… wish me luck! The more I think about it, the more I just want to laugh a little about this whole thing… I mean really, me, the type of person who is more comfortable sitting quietly in the back of the classroom…trying out for a speech in front of my entire graduating class and their friends and family! I guess I’d regret it if I didn’t try. Here goes nothin!

Take care, have a great start to your June month! Summer is just around the corner, yay!

-Katy

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Understanding a transition…

22
May

Hey Guys!

Whew! Finally I get on here…

Can you believe the end of the year is right around the corner? I can’t!

So prom was very fun, and very elegant. :) Instead of dancing in the big main room, they has a little jazz band in the back playing old swing music, so that was much more fun! Good news: my shoes worked out great! I wore a pair of dressy sandals with ankle straps and little diamond studs on them to match my dress. I am still trying to get some of the better quality photos from my friends, but he lags sometimes :p Ill post a few though!

Anywhoo, I just wrote a grad speech in poem form that I might submit for reading…I am a little hesitant because I get nervous in a crowd of 30, whereas our ceremony will have 1,000ish people in our huge outdoor stadium! Yikes… nerves are not an options. I feel like this poem is indicative of my high school experience, both as a teen with CP and simply as a young woman nearing a transition in her life. Really, this is just how I envision myself and others like me growing into adults, and into our futures, and choosing to perceive the world and ourselves in a constantly changing light until we ultimately accept ourselves. Let me know what you think:

Identity.2011

Today.

Not four years from now, not two, not 180 days

Today is the day we commemorate a past

Today is the day we celebrate a future

Today, I hope you take a moment to revel in all that you have accomplished

What does this mean for you?

Some of us will honorably fight for our country, prove their courage

Some of us will enter a trade, travel the world, seek out a charity

Some of us will be a freshman again, in an entirely new way

Here on in Pacific coast, near the Great Lakes, or off the Atlantic shore

In foreign countries, near new waters and everything in between

This time is pivotal

This time is exciting

This time is oursI hope we all look back on the rest of our lives

With pride in our personal and universal achievements

With happiness in our growth as individuals

Inevitable, is change

A change of knowledge, beliefs, relationships, and opportunities

It is all laid out for us, just beyond our reach

So that one day we may understand

How to reach out and grasp the unknown

As we live, we must learn

How to test our limits

We must also learn

How to go beyond them

And when we do

We will thank our families, our teachers

For ridding of the doubt

For the love we once thought was hate

But really

We will praise ourselves

For all the struggles

For all the insecurities

Within this search for identity

So that we may appreciate

All that each of us overcame

And all of who you became.

Prom photos!

 

Happy Sunday :)

-Katy

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Catching up… College, CP Advice, Spring Break (is over!)

24
April
Hello hello! Finally getting back into the swing of things back home… time for some homework and family time on this nice Easter Sunday :) Happy Easter for those of you who celebrate today! Oh, and before I forget– I replied to your guys’ wonderful comments on my last post…. I love hearing your experiences with college and how CP may be affected by it all…it’s nice having those of you who do read and are in college, share some advice and stuff because most of what I hear is just from my friends who are in the same boat as me, or from adults who are 20+ years older than me. :p And no offense to them, but it is just nice to hear advice from teens and young adults who have the recent college hindsight AND have CP… double plus. :) So thanks, I really take your words into account…. especially now that I have made my decision!!

I, Katy Lea Fetters will be attending Soka Univeristy of America in August! Me, college?? I love saying that, its just so exciting, relieving, and wonderful all at the same time. It just feels right. I went there early last week with my friend and I just felt like I could really see myself calling this place home. It is an amazing school, (for lack of a better word im just going to continue) that offers an amazing program, with amazing people,  in an amazing place! I was lucky enough to receive a generous scholarship too. I am set!!

I do hope that you all enjoyed your spring break, even if it was weeks before mine…Easter just came late this year! I relaxed in the desert sun a bit, saw some some neat things in downtown San Diego, and now am ready (yet slightly dreading) returning to school….can’t I just be done already?? Haha, I know, I know I am going to try and cherish these last few weeks of high school….but I can’t help it, the future is just too exciting! Graduation in June, Europe this summer, and then I am off to the rest of my life! :p So please forgive me if I sound all too hyped up about 2011 haha. I am sure all you TeenCP seniors know what I am talking about, and the rest of you lovely readers can relate to this feeling in some way or another. Enjoy the rest of April as we spring on into yet another month

Hold tight, and stay happy and healthy TeenCPers…. summer is almost here!

I wrote a poem about the full moon I saw in San Diego, and ended up complimenting it with the sun I saw in Palm Springs… Enjoy :) (Here’s also some pics I thought I’d share)

-Katy

The beautiful Korakia in Palm Springs!

The beautiful Korakia in Palm Springs!

Overcast day, but downtown San Diego on the SS Midway!

Overcast day, but downtown San Diego on the SS Midway!

 

Had to buy a sweatshirt of course! :)

Had to buy a sweatshirt of course! :)

 

Ominous moon sits in the sky
Awaiting the nurturing blanket of clouds
That are nowhere near
As the sky is clear,
And the stars are dull

The ominous moon frowns upon the shore
As the tide grows low
And the lunar light dims
A slight sadness fills the southern night
Alright, alright, he says
And glows for us
A soothing sight

Searing sun sits in the sky
Exudes this desert heat
Calm stoic breeze
Invites the shadows with great ease
Ingratiated, do I feel
In the presence of her vibrant existence

The searing sun smiles upon the earth
As the people come to soak up her rays
And envelop themselves in her nurturing warmth
Up in the sky, midday
Too hot, you say?
Alright, alright, she says
I’ll come back some gloomy day

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