Photo by ibmoon Kim
When someone with a disability writes a memoir about overcoming their challenges, the words ‘success story’ soon follow.
While there is nothing wrong with that, it can be narrow. Jimmy Mulzet has done a great job of writing a cerebral palsy memoir and empowering the vulnerable with his life story. Rather than simply highlighting his success, he also shares the influence of his faith, credits the support of many non-profits who helped him and raises awareness of improving the welfare of those in the disability community.
It shows that writing a cerebral palsy memoir can accomplish more.
However, sometimes, there is a little risk of trying to do so and accidentally removing the focus and making something else the main topic of the book!
It is not something to worry too much about, though, because there are very simple techniques that will make the memoir flow naturally between telling the personal story of defying the odds and how it relates to the empowerment of others and their advocates. It is all about knowing how to frame each leg of the journey and using different personal anecdotes as a means to discuss a broader issue.
More importantly, however, is that the intention for doing so is to realize the potential for a memoir to inspire others to action.
Good Memoirs Stay Grounded in Personal Experience
Photo by Igor Rodrigues
One of the reasons why people with disabilities are often encouraged to tell their stories is that not many other people can really get their perspective as they can.
Many great examples of how to write a cerebral palsy memoir come with a powerful, unique description of exactly how their conditions affect their bodies. From the way they walk to the way they speak, they are not afraid to acknowledge the difficulties it places on them.
Doing so sets the memoir to go in various directions, all of them powerful. It can demonstrate how challenging their obstacles are. It also presents non-disabled readers with an idea of how many other people with the condition face the same problems.
Furthermore, it fosters a deeper emotional connection with readers. When authors are vulnerable about the physical and emotional toll of their experiences, they open a door for empathy and compassion.
The additional details from an author with a disability also accelerate the dismantling of stereotypes and counter the often one-dimensional portrayals of disability in mainstream media. Another way that these vivid, grounded experiences can help is in guiding those brave, pioneering readers who are often looking to these perspectives when formulating solutions and policies that address those with special needs.
Writing a Cerebral Palsy Memoir to Honor Personal Heroes
Another example of how to inspire through your cerebral palsy memoir is by talking about your personal heroes, as well as those who have helped while on the journey to beating the odds.
Jimmy does this countless times when talking about his parents. However, another interesting detail is when he mentions the likes of St. Pope John Paul II.
This same pope is highly celebrated and historically remembered for his tireless advocacy for those with disability. In a 2004 speech during the International Symposium on The Dignity and Rights of the Mentally Disabled Person, he asserted that no physical or mental handicap will ever reduce the fullness of humanity in a person. Jimmy’s memorable encounter with him on World Youth Day intertwines with this greater faith message in one of the world’s major religions and how its members should treat those on the margins.
Jimmy also puts a spotlight on Achilles International, a non-profit marathon organization dedicated to helping all those in the disabled community participate in a number of athletic programs. It was this same organization that led to Jimmy attaining the lifetime achievement of participating in the New York City Marathon.
These are more than just honorable mentions that result from writing a cerebral palsy memoir. Naming these parties points readers towards trustworthy organizations and support. Whether they have a disability themselves or want to support a good cause, they can benefit from a memoir that is not afraid to feature institutions that do great work empowering the vulnerable.
Writing a Good Memoir to Tackle Bigger Challenges
Some people might be afraid of being too pontificating by sharing stories that create awareness about those with disability.
However, such fears are often the very reason why the welfare of those with disability continues to be neglected. Those who dislike seeing truth speaking to power are usually the ones who side with power rather than society’s vulnerable.
But at the same time, that is all still part of the great work being undertaken by those who decide to share their story of triumph. Those writing a cerebral palsy memoir are not just the ones sharing individual experiences of confronting prejudices and biases. They are also sharing stories about challenging entire systems that do not operate with them in mind.
It is only by continuing to do so that awareness of such systemic flaws continues to be raised. And hopefully, sometime in the future, an even happier story can be written in a more inclusive society.
If you’d like to learn more about all the people who have helped and supported Jimmy on his journey to independence, then get the whole story in Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds. You’ll find plenty of copies available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and the ReadersMagnet Bookstore.
