In this episode of CP Conversations, I talk to Dr. Christine Astarita, a physical therapist and the founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT: Long Island’s intensive therapy center which helps people with neurological diagnoses while focusing on the whole family.  Christine is also the author of “Breaking Through Special Needs” which was ranked #1 on Amazon, and the podcast host for “Breaking Through Special Needs”.  She’ll also be a presenter at the upcoming 6th Annual Virtual Cerebral Palsy Conference on October 1st and 2nd (registration is FREE). www.cerebralpalsyconference.org

We discuss what inspired her to become a pediatric therapist, how a well-rounded, community-based approach to the entire family sets her practice apart, why she’s passionate about providing resources, support to her patients, and her upcoming 85-mile ultra run — while wheeling some of her patients — from the Montaulk Point Lighthouse to her office, which will raise money for Angela’s House, a local non-profit.  Plus, she shares her #1 tip for how to choose the right therapist for your child. Follow Breakthrough Intensive PT on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/breakthroughintensivept and on Instagram @breakthroughintensivept.  Visit their website at: https://www.breakthroughptli.com/.

In this episode of CP Conversations, I talk to Jacquie Robison, the founder of WAWOS, which stands for "We're All Working On Something.” It’s a multi-national nonprofit with a mission to celebrate children with neuromuscular delays and physical differences.

We discuss getting a cerebral palsy diagnosis, how a trip to the park with her daughter, Sofia, inspired her to create walker capes for children, and the birth, meaning behind WAWOS. Since July is Disability Pride Month, Jacquie shares how she encourages Sofia to be proud of all of who she is, why cerebral palsy is the least interesting thing about her.

Follow WAWOS on Facebook + Instagram @wawosorg. Visit their website at: https://www.wawos.org.

Learn more about our Cerebral Palsy Conference on October 1st and 2nd at: www.cerebralpalsyconference.org.

In this episode of CP Conversations, I talk to Caroline Naif from Briella & Me, a mom on a mission to raise awareness for cerebral palsy by sharing her daughter’s (Briella) journey.

We discuss the challenges of navigating a cerebral palsy diagnosis, how SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) surgery changed Briella’s life, what motivated her to become an advocate on social media and why being connected to other warrior families is so important. Since July is Disability Pride Month, Caroline also talked about how she instills confidence in young Briella. Plus, the soon-to-be 7-year-old makes a brief appearance! 

Follow Briella & Me on Instagram (and across all social media) @briellaandme. 

Learn more about our Cerebral Palsy Conference on October 1st and 2nd at: www.cerebralpalsyconference.org.