Blog

Imagine trying to play a game of charades with your hands tied, wearing a gag, and you may have some idea of the frustrations some individuals with cerebral palsy experience when trying to communicate. Add that to the mobility challenges also faced by 19-year-old Brandon Kucowski, and you’re looking at a lifestyle that would daunt most people.
But Brandon is by nature a happy person with a family who is “in tune” with his feelings without relying on traditional channels; and they’ve found—and created—ways that allow Brandon to share and enjoy an exciting outdoor world far beyond the range of a standard wheelchair.

Meet Joanna and Nathanael, two extraordinary siblings with arthrogryposis who have turned their challenges into triumphs. Despite their physical limitations, these resilient individuals have not only undergone corrective surgery but also engage actively in sled hockey and other sports! Joanna, with her deft command over the piano and proficiency in Accounting and Spanish, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Equally remarkable, Nathanael uses his knack for computer science to better the lives of others by developing a mobile app that helps students with disabilities. Their mother, Nancy, underscores the significance of a strong medical support system for success. Together, they showcase the strength of faith, the importance of self-worth, and the power of resilience.

Jade was 14 years old when her healthy life took an unexpected turn. Her symptoms started with drooling, blurred speech, being tired all the time, and a loss of balance. As a young teenager she found herself embarrassed and unwilling to talk about her symptoms with others. She was scared and unsure of what was going on with her health. It wasn’t until she was physically unable to eat her dinner one night that her mom took her to the hospital.