My "Cycle for CP"

My name is Justin. I am 18 years old and I have cerebral palsy.

When I was born I had seizures in the first 24 hours and had to be sedated for the first three months of my life. For many months I could not sit up without having pillows around me. I crawled and walked on the same day at 21 months of age. I had difficulty balancing so to improve this we’d go rock hopping on the rocks at Cronulla beach, looking for crabs to make it fun. My great grandfather built different size steps so I could practice going up and down without falling.

Throughout my life there have been many cruel comments from children which I was taught to ignore. The night before I started school at Burraneer Bay Public I had a grand mal epileptic fit and spent the night in hospital. Although I was tired I still wanted to start school with the other children. On that first day two boys teased me because I had Velcro on my shoes. I said to my mum “Why can’t I just be the same as the other kids?” When my teacher asked if anyone would like to say a few words to the class, I put up my hand and said “I just want to say that I know I talk funny, but I am not dumb; I have cerebral palsy and I can’t help it. I understand what you are saying.”

Sport has always played a big part in my family & I have been encouraged to try anything. Learning to swim was a mammoth task but I went on and won a number of races at Northcott Society Carnivals. Tennis was taught to me by my Uncle who is a tennis coach, and I now I really enjoy playing competition on the weekends.

Cricket was my grandfather’s chosen sport and Pop practiced with me. He would say”if you throw the ball and hit that tree, I’ll give you a dollar!” I was awarded a special trophy on presentation day. They gave me a mounted ball autographed by Glen McGrath and I had lunch with him, it was a real honor.

Snow skiing was fun especially at first when my legs kept going out. I was afraid of heights but with some extra trips with Spastic Centre support and an ING initiative I have conquered some high slopes in Thredbo and Denver Colorado.

Last, but not least bike riding, one of my greatest achievements. I needed training wheels until I was nearly 10. After they were removed I had lots of falls. However with practice the strength in my legs improved as well as my balance. Last year I rode in The Sydney to Wollongong bike ride with mum and dad and I now ride regularly on my own. For me all of the support and encouragement from therapists and my family have MADE A DIFFERENCE!

ING have assisted disabled young people through programs providing mentors and guest speakers. We were recently asked to use our leadership skills to have an impact on the lives of young people with disabilities. I had seen a pamphlet about a five year old boy with severe cerebral palsy who needed special equipment and a wheelchair. I decided I wanted to MAKE A DIFFERENCE to Ethan’s life.

I am going to ride my bike from Kurnell to Kyeemagh and back, approximately 45 kilometers. I am hoping to raise as much money as I can for Ethan and other children like him.