In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and I catch up on everything that has been happening in his world, and there has been a lot.

Chad shares how the second annual Doing Hard Things My Way event continued to grow, including an 89 percent increase in donations, expanded support, a corporate sponsor, and an in-person 5K in Portland with Cerebral Palsy Strong.

What started as an idea a couple of years ago has continued to grow into something that is creating a real impact within the cerebral palsy community.

That leads us into a bigger conversation about taking chances.

Neither of us believes you have to wait until you feel completely confident before trying something. The uncertainty, anxiety, and “what ifs” do not necessarily disappear as something becomes more successful. Sometimes you simply become more comfortable moving forward while those feelings are still there.

We also talk about Chad’s upcoming races, the knee pain he has been navigating for months, and why continuing to advocate for yourself can matter when the first explanation or treatment does not seem to be working.

For both of us, living with cerebral palsy means constantly learning our own bodies, adapting, experimenting, and figuring out what allows us to stay active without feeling like we are constantly fighting ourselves.

Sometimes the answer is simply to try it and see.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Chad Williams:

instagram.com/chadwillia1

Daryl Perry:

instagram.com/daryltperry

We’re back with a quick update on where things stand with The Cerebral Palsy Perspective.

Season two has already brought some great conversations, new guests, and a growing list of people who want to be part of the podcast. At the same time, both of us have a lot happening outside of the show, so the release schedule may look a little different over the next few weeks and months.

That does not mean the conversations are slowing down.

We are still recording, still connecting with guests, and still building what this podcast can become. The biggest difference is that we are allowing the schedule to be a little more flexible instead of feeling like a new episode absolutely has to come out every Monday.

In this episode, we talk about how the podcast has evolved from something very regimented into something that now has its own rhythm, structure, and momentum.

We also want to hear from you.

If you have cerebral palsy, work within the cerebral palsy community, have a story or perspective you want to share, or think you would be a good fit for a future conversation, this is a great time to reach out.

Connect with Chad on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Connect with Daryl on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

New episodes are coming. The consistency may just look a little different as we continue growing the show and making room for everything ahead.

What happens when you decide that cerebral palsy doesn't get to determine what you're still capable of trying?

In this episode, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by Janet Torres, cerebral palsy advocate, certified personal trainer, adaptive fitness specialist, bodybuilder, aspiring para track and field athlete, and founder of Diverse Abilities Fitness.

Janet shares how her relationship with movement changed after moving to Columbus, Ohio, and becoming more physically active in her twenties. Eventually, that journey led to running her first 5K and experiencing a feeling of freedom through running that completely changed the direction of her life.

We talk about Janet's path into the fitness industry, the gaps she saw in traditional fitness for people with disabilities, and why she eventually stepped out on her own to build Diverse Abilities Fitness.

We also dig into something many adults with cerebral palsy think about as we get older. What happens when our bodies begin to change?

Janet shares her experience being told she would need braces as she aged, how she initially accepted that this was simply what was going to happen, and why she eventually decided to see what her body was still capable of doing.

Today, she's running again and beginning her journey into para track and field.

Throughout the conversation, we explore adaptive fitness, aging with cerebral palsy, accessibility, faith, entrepreneurship, community, and why being active doesn't have to look the same throughout every stage of life.

Janet also shares an important reminder for anyone waiting until they feel completely ready to start.

You're probably never going to feel 100 percent ready.

Sometimes you have to take a small step, see what happens, adjust, find support, and keep moving forward.

Or, as Janet puts it, do it anyway.

Connect with Janet

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/diverseabilityfit/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583238440975

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/d.a.f.torres/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@diverseabilityfitness4922

Follow Chad and Daryl on Instagram

Chad Williams

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl Perry

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/