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/

In this episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry are joined by cerebral palsy advocate, author, motivational speaker, and support group founder Shaniah Gunter.

Shaniah shares her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which affects both of her legs, wearing AFO braces, having a learning disability, and navigating an IEP throughout school. She also opens up about experiencing bullying, struggling with low self-esteem, comparing herself to other people, and eventually learning to become more confident in who she is.

A major part of Shaniah's story is refusing to allow other people's expectations to determine what's possible for her. Despite people questioning whether she would graduate with a regular diploma, she did. Today, at 24, she's using those experiences to encourage other people through motivational speaking, advocacy, life coaching, her support group, and her work as an author.

Shaniah also discusses the importance of parents advocating for children with disabilities. She shares how much her mother's involvement and encouragement meant throughout her childhood and encourages parents to participate in IEP meetings, understand their child's needs, and continue advocating for the support that can help them succeed.

Faith is also central to Shaniah's life and message. She explains how her relationship with God helped her stop being afraid of who she was, develop confidence, find purpose in her experiences, and begin sharing her story with other people.

Throughout the conversation, we talk about disability, education, employment, family support, self-confidence, faith, advocacy, and the importance of moving through life at your own pace.

Shaniah's message is simple.

Don't give up because you're different. Don't look down on yourself because your life doesn't look like somebody else's. Keep going at your own pace and continue becoming who you're meant to be.

Connect With Shaniah Gunter

Find Shaniah Gunter's Books on Amazon:

https://us.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_4?ie=UTF8&field-author=Shaniah+Gunter&text=Shaniah+Gunter&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books

Follow Shaniah on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mybabygunter/

Connect With Shaniah on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/shaniah.gunter

Connect With the Hosts

Follow Chad Williams on Instagram:

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

Follow Daryl Perry on Instagram:

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

Sometimes the biggest impact begins with one simple decision.

In this episode, Chad Williams and I are joined by Vito, founder of Strides for Gianluca, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for cerebral palsy while supporting individuals, families, research, and community initiatives through running events and fundraising.

Vito shares how his son's cerebral palsy inspired him to combine his love of running with a mission to give back. From local 5Ks to the New York City Marathon, charity hockey games, and community partnerships, Strides for Gianluca continues to grow while bringing people together around a shared purpose.

We also reflect on meeting at the Spring Lake Five Mile Run, discuss why community matters so much in the cerebral palsy world, and talk about how one person's passion can create opportunities for countless others.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story behind Strides for Gianluca

• Raising awareness for cerebral palsy through running

• Supporting families, research, and community initiatives

• The Spring Lake Five Mile experience and why it has become such a meaningful event

• Organizing races, charity events, and fundraising throughout the year

• The upcoming Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K and virtual race

• How community partnerships help expand awareness

• Why every conversation about cerebral palsy helps make a difference

Whether you're part of the cerebral palsy community, a runner looking for a meaningful cause, or someone who believes in using your passions to make a positive impact, I think you'll enjoy hearing Vito's story and learning about the incredible work Strides for Gianluca is doing.

Learn More About Strides for Gianluca

Website

https://strides4gianluca.com/

Follow Strides for Gianluca

https://strides4gianluca.com/follow-us-on-social-media/

Charity Hockey Game

https://strides4gianluca.com/charitygame/

Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K & Virtual Race Registration

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Hamilton/CerebralPalsyAwareness5K