‘I could write an 88,000-page book of everything that went wrong. It’s all about staying focused and being determined to rise!’

Bethpage

“I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when I was 18 months old. I wasn’t hitting my milestones physically, and it prompted an evaluation. After the diagnosis, my mom began to enroll me in early intervention services. I had physical, occupational and speech therapy at home multiple times a week. There came a time when my mom and uncle were realizing that my developmental disability was not intellectual, only physical. This realization was first happening when I was being taught how to communicate with a speech device. Before the speech device, I only communicated through my own version of sign language.

“As I became proficient with the communication device, my intellect started to be much more pronounced to my family and school officials. As a child, I don’t ever remember getting down about my physical limitations. Being disabled was my normal. I pretty much did everything that other kids did — but in a modified way. I don’t consider myself having challenges. When I think about challenges, I think of overwhelming struggles. I don’t have that. Mainly because whenever I want to do something, I give it all of my focus until I am done.

You can do anything that you put your mind to. You simply have to eat dirt sometimes and have the determination to push forward.

“On December 7th, 2019, I participated in a ceremony where I was one of the people who received their blue belt from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. This promotion has to be one of the best highlights of my life! Three years ago, I knew nothing about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu except for the necessary general information. I’m still infatuated by my physical improvements and knowing how to use my body discrepancies to aid me. My teacher treats me like anyone else in his class. He has no pity for me and doesn’t hesitate to call me out if I’m not training at maximum. I’m pumped to see where this takes me next.

“You can do anything that you put your mind to. You simply have to eat dirt sometimes and have the determination to push forward. I’m 32 years old, I’m in no pain, on no medication, in excellent physical and mental condition, have had a job for 10 years, have an apartment, and get through this crazy world with a smile. I could write an 88,000-page book of everything that went wrong. It’s all about staying focused and being determined to rise!”

Interviewed by Jay Max