The Alex Scoop: An Inspiring Journey with Cerebral Palsy in Calgary
Discover my unique way of overcoming life’s challenges.
Hi, I am Alex
I live with Cerebral Palsy (CP) which affects my fine and gross motor skills. I use a wheelchair, an adapted bike, a Rifton walker and a Trexo robotic gait trainer for mobility.
I have spastic cerebral palsy which means my muscles tend to be stiff so I do a lot of physiotherapy including stretching and strengthening to help my body stay limber and strong. I think exercising is important for everyone but especially for people with cerebral palsy.
I am a very active person. I’ve listed a few exercises on my Youtube Channel that I do everyday to help my body. You are welcome to try them too. I think it is important and can be fun to workout.
🎶 “I Wanted to Walk” – A Song of Strength & Perseverance
Every step I’ve taken has led me here. “I Wanted to Walk” is more than just a song I wrote—it’s my journey, my struggles, and my successes. Through music, I share my story of resilience and hope.
📢 Watch the video below and share your thoughts!
Living with Cerebral Palsy in Calgary: My Journey Through Causes, Types, and Innovations in Treatment
As someone living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Calgary, I know firsthand that it’s a common motor disability starting in childhood. It’s a group of neurological disorders that first appeared during my infancy, affecting my body movement, muscle coordination, and balance. Here’s what I’ve learned about the causes, types, and exciting treatments for cerebral palsy.
What Caused My Cerebral Palsy?
The cause of CP isn’t always clear-cut, but in many cases, like mine, it results from brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. Being born prematurely, or experiencing infections during pregnancy, or a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, can all contribute to CP. Twins, triplets, and other multiple births have a higher risk for CP. I’m a triplet so I had lack of oxygen before I was born.
The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy
CP is a term that includes several types – each one unique, with different symptoms and care needs. Here are the types I’ve learned about during my journey:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common type, leading to stiff and exaggerated muscle movements.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: It causes uncontrolled, writhing movements of the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: A less common type that affects balance and depth perception, leading to unsteady movements.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy: This type is a combination of the above, with symptoms that can vary widely.
Exciting New Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Living with CP means finding ways to enhance quality of life, independence, and manage my symptoms. Luckily, there are innovative treatments emerging:
Robot-Assisted Therapy: Robotic devices can help improve motor skills and mobility.
Virtual Reality Therapy: This provides a safe environment to practice and improve motor skills.
Living with Cerebral Palsy can be complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. But with the advancements in technology and medicine, I’m optimistic about improved treatments and a better quality of life for individuals like me.
Latest News from The Alex Scoop
Guest Speaking at Kids Brain Health in Calgary: Sharing My Trexo Journey
On Thursday I was invited to speak again at the Kids Brain Health Network at The Westin Hotel in Downtown Calgary. I shared my story, my journey, and how Trexo has truly changed my life. Trexo isn’t just a device to me, it gave me movement, strength, and a new sense...
University of Alberta Physiotherapy Presentation in Calgary
I was invited back again, actually for the third time!, to speak with the Physiotherapy students at the University of Alberta. I had such a great time sharing what life with cerebral palsy is like for me, and this time I also got to demo my Trexo Robotic Walking...
My Big Day at the Neuromotor Resource Expo in Calgary
Hi everyone, it's Alex! I had such an exciting day at the Neuromotor Resource Expo in Calgary, and I wanted to tell you all about it. The event was for people living with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor conditions. There were lots of families, kids, helpers, and...
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