Cerebral palsy is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before birth or in the early stages of childhood. In the United States alone, more than 200,000 cases are reported each year. One young girl with the relatively rare condition is sophomore Caitlain Ansell. Battling disability each day as a young girl left a lasting impact on her life.

“I had no idea,” said Ansell’s gym teacher, Ms. Rachel Means. “She participates 100 percent of the time and works hard in gym, I’m actually baffled.”

“People used to stare because I would walk differently,” Ansell said. After years of therapy, along with the support of her family, she has learned to work around her disability.

“My family always pushed me to do more, they and my friends have always been supportive,” Ansell said. ” The school made adaptations for my disability, but they also showed me to keep trying and never give up.”

All of her teachers agree that she is an excellent student. She’s also “quiet, respectful, focused, participates in class,” according to Mrs. Michele Zamperini, Ansell’s choir director. ” She’s a perfect example of how a disability can’t control you.”

“Every day it hurts. Today’s pain is because my high-cord in my left leg is really tight, this causes my foot to turn out in an awkward angle,” said Ansell, whose hope lies in the brace for her leg that will hopefully help with any discomfort. If not the young 16-year-old will have to undergo surgery.

“Before I would get frustrated a lot,” Ansell said. To this day, Ansell experiences some discomfort when walking, but still has grown “used to it.”

Moving past her insecurities, Ansell previously occupied her time by volunteering at   Southmoreland’s Primary Center, reading to children in a club called Reading Buddies. Though Ansell is no longer involved with the club, the club brought a smile to her face every Friday.

The children at the primary center have special situations in their life where the parents or faculty members feel that they should partake in the small club. In return, they learn how to read, make new friends, and have fun during and after a long day at school.

“I liked being around the kids,” said Ansell. “My favorite memory is the day I read to my nieces’ classroom and each kid wrote something they like about themselves. We even took a picture and framed it for them to keep in their classroom.”

Ansell acted as a positive role-model for the kids, feeling successful and proud knowing she made a child’s “day better.”

Mrs. Jenna Hixson, the founder of Reading Buddies, said that “reading was an escape for me when I was a kid, so giving a child a similar experience is very rewarding.”

“I believe that Caitlain can be an inspiration to others, especially the younger children,” said Mrs. Hixson. “She’s showing them how nothing in life can hold you back.”

At times, the sophomore wishes she had someone, like a reading buddy member, to talk to and to have around when she was younger.

“If there is one thing I wish I could say to my younger self, it would be to stay strong, you can get through this,” she said.

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Lily Fullem

Senior Editor, involved in multiple school clubs, extracurricular activities, and community service. Hobbies include reading, writing, music, and volunteering.

Latest posts by Lily Fullem (see all)

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