I am a three-time Paralympian diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I took a bit longer to learn to crawl and walk, which concerned my parents and had them seeking doctors’ opinions. A family doctor suggested they give me time, as each child learns these developmental milestones at their own pace.

It was at 2 and a half years of age when my mother was told I suffered a stroke, either in utero, at birth, or shortly thereafter. I was told I was born with left hemiplegic CP, because the CP shows up more dominantly on the left side of my body - however, at 18 years old the doctor said (after an MRI) that both sides of my brain were affected.

When I was young, I had a regimen of daily physiotherapy exercises that was prescribed. Later, I pursued swimming in place of physiotherapy. Although I wasn’t able to keep up with all the other swimmers, my coach at the time told me that there was a spot for me on her team, explaining all aspects of para-sport. If it weren’t for my parents allowing me to give it a chance, and my coach, I wouldn’t be able to call myself the three-time Paralympian I am today.