My name is Michael Heusser. I was born on May 27, 1969. When I was born, I was born without any oxygen. In order for me to survive I had to be given 21 minutes of mouth to mouth resuscitation before I was able to take my first breath on my own, and that is when it all started.
When I was about 6 months old, my parents noticed that I was doing things backwards, crawling, instead of crawling on my hands and knees, I would crawl on my back. I was unable to open my hands normally and every time I held something I destroyed it with my strength. My arms and legs would tremble and they did not know why.
I was taken to a doctor to identify the problem. I was still unable to walk, I was able to stand up inside the crib but was unable to do anything else. My parents were told to put a bar on the bottom of my shoes, and I had to sleep with that bar.
After a few months I was taken to a bone specialist. I visited him for months and at one point while at an appointment, the doctor was called away for a phone call. At the time of the appointment, I was 22 months old and still not walking. My parents found a report about me on the table in front of them, lying open while the doctor attended to his phone call.
As they read the report, (they) were shocked, the report stated that "parents not notified that child has CP."
My parents had no idea (what) "cp" was. My grandmother was with them at the time and my dad asked her, "what's CP?" My grandmother responded, "It is Cerebral Palsy."
My dad was upset and said to his mother, "that is a hell of a joke." My grandmother's response, "that is no joke."
The Doctor returned and still said nothing to us.
The following day, my dad called the Doctor's office and told him that he had read the report and we wanted to clarify what CP was and he reconfirmed what my grandmother had told him, "The child has Cerebral Palsy. He needs therapy at least 3 times a week and please bring him down to our office."
My parents had decided to take me to his office for therapy. After the first session, the nurse at the time said to my parents, "This child needs more than just three days a week of therapy, he needs therapy everyday and therapy with whirlpool baths for his muscles."
My parents called the phone operator for information to see where there was a school for children with cerebral palsy and as God would have wanted it, the operator on duty at that time said, "I have a cousin which has cerebral palsy and he attends the Matheny School in Pepak , NJ." She gave us the telephone number and my parents called and made an appointment.
I visited the school and they observed me. Because I was so close to being 2 years old, they made an exception and accepted me at 22 months.
I attended school everyday of the week, Monday through Friday. I was given all kinds of therapy for my hands, legs and for my mouth muscles. I used to drool all of the time, and they made sure I learned to use a straw to drink liquids in building the muscles in my lips.
Saturdays and Sundays were spent at home with my parents.
This went on for 2 years. By the time I left, I was already walking, knew how to type, knew how to feed myself and also learned how to dress myself, it was difficult but I did it. As I grew older and I dealt with being made fun of. I was called all sorts of names. Sometimes it hurt so bad that it would make me frustrated. I tried to ignore it but then I actually realized that this is life and that the truth is that I am different than everyone else.
During my adolescent years, I was forced to wear a helmet, all the way through sixth grade.
Sixth grade was tough; I would have to say it was one of the toughest years of schooling I had been through. All of the kids were in with the "new trends and styles." I had to wear that ugly helmet and those braces.
I really wanted to feel "cool" and I was striving to fit in with the popular kids.
Seventh grade came along and the helmet came off! I was so happy.
Before I knew it, High School rolled around. Things changed a little, I was on the Wrestling team. Hearing everyone cheer me on, what a feeling. Wow! It couldn't have been any better and just knowing that I was a part of something so important, brought my self-esteem up so rapidly it was just awesome!
Yes I did it! I got my drivers license and boy did it feel great to go where I wanted to without being dependent upon other people. Time had flown by so quickly that it was time for me to graduate High School.
After graduation I landed a job with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a Toll Collector. I have been there ever since. In fact, I just started my 22nd year.
Now, in 2009, I have 3 children. Lia who is 14, loves acting and drama. She is attending John Robert Powers's school for acting and modeling and is doing well. Catherine, who is 12, is the most inspiring girl you would ever want to meet. She is the top Baton Twirler for her team "The Cavaliers." She is always winning trophies and other awards. And my little guy Matthew, is one of the toughest 10-year-olds on the Football field playing defensive nose guard. Go Matt!!! You sure can take em' down!
I am so proud to be the person and the parent that I am today, through perseverance it can be done. It has been a long journey up a tough rocky road. Without the people who put me down and told me that I couldn't do what I wanted to do, it has pushed me to the limit, to the point where I am today. I owe it all to my parents, my sister, and friends for believing in me and not giving up on me, in giving me the support to succeed for the wonderful life I live. "I am an achiever, not just a believer".
In the future, I would like to speak with other people who I can motivate and or inspire. Life does not end when you have problems. You have to snap out of it and get back up on you feet and try again, and again until you find success. Never give up your hope and dreams! Your life will come true if you want it to. You must pursue it with your heart and soul. Success is not handed to you on a silver platter, you need to work hard and set your goals to achieve it. I did it, and I still am doing it every day of my life. And so can you.
Michael Heusser is currently an active fan and supporter of United Cerebral Palsy on the Facebook social network. In fact, he has set up a birthday wish to raise $1000 by May 27th. Happy Birthday, Michael.
If you would like to help Michael acheive his goal, please visit Facebook.com and visit the National United Cerebal Palsy Fan Page or Cause today.
If you are a parent of a child, 0-5 years old, with disabilities or you might be concerned about your child's devlopment progress, you are no longer alone in seeking answers. MyChildWithoutLimits.org is a place for parents of children 0-5 and professionals to gather to exchange stories and experience in finding the support and answers they need. Please take the time to visit the My Child Without Limits Web site today.
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