This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog, by Rhonda Clark. Rhonda has Cerebral Palsy and an amazing attitude that carries her through life’s challenges. For more information on Rhonda, visit her website at www.rhondaclark.net
Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin with spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) was no easy feat. It wasn’t that Green Bay was a bad place or that CP was a death sentence, because I’ve never looked at it that way. In short, I was born two and a half months premature, and had the cord wrapped around my neck three times. I weighed only 2 lbs. 3 oz. and as all babies drop weight, I dropped to an even 2 lbs. I was not expected to live 48 hours. It was also discovered later that I had a hole in my heart.
Due to the fact that I was born so prematurely, I stayed in the hospital for six weeks because I needed to be at least 5 lbs. before I could go home. I was also born with underdeveloped lungs. I didn’t roll, crawl, sit up all at the “normal” developmental stage. It wasn’t until I was a year and a half old that I was diagnosed with CP. My parents were and still pretty much are in denial. However, my maternal grandparents instilled in me the good, positive, Christian, morals and values that I carry with me today. I remember at a very young age my grandfather telling me that, “The only person stopping me from doing something was me.” My grandfather was a wise man.
The only person stopping me from doing something was me.
With a less than supportive home life except for my grandparents, I drew strength from teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, friends, and my faith. I was often told many negative things like: I would never go to college, live independently or own my own home. Keeping in mind what my grandfather said, “The only person stopping me from doing something is me” has always been true in my life. Now I won’t tell you that everyday of my life is a bowl of cherries, no one has a life like that, but because of the support system I mentioned, I have been able to accomplish a lot and I’m not done yet!
When I was in grade school I had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with goals and needs to receive the best education. Whenever possible I was mainstreamed into a regular education classroom setting. When I was in fourth grade, I was pretty much integrated into all regular education classes, with the assistance of and aide and/or student to take notes for me in class because I tended to write slow. The same was expected of me that was expected from any other student. After grade school I went on to high school and graduated in the top 3rd of my class!
Rhonda with her Physical Therapist and friend, Jennifer.
In 1987, while a senior in high school, I moved into my own apartment and set up home health care twice a day to assist me with ADL’s so I could still attend school and have my own place. I graduated from high school with honors and walked up with crutches to receive my diploma! In 1989, I began college at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to pursue a BA in Communications. While in college, I decided I wanted more for myself. In December 1995, after receiving my first college degree in Communication, I decided to move to Nashville.
One of my goals when I moved to Nashville was to become independent with my ADL’s, with the help of a great PT, and now friend, Jennifer Eitheridge I was able to achieve that goal. I also earned a certificate in medical coding. I work full time at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as a patient family greeter on the hematology/oncology floor and love it!
As you can see, 
I may have CP, but it doesn’t have me.
There is a reason for everything and everyone has a purpose, make a difference in your life today!
Watch for more blog posts from Rhonda Clark in the future…
Rhonda, you have such a wonderful attitude and passion for life. It is clear that you are ready to take on any challenge head on…
I love reading Rhonda’s blog and learining about all the ways she has achieved her independence.
You are amazing Rhonda and an inspiration to sooooo many!!!!!
Rhonda is such an eloquent writer…and thinker. You are an inspiration to all! When I grow up, I want to be more like you!
Rhonda – you “ROCK”!!! Beautifully written – your are such an inspiration to everyone who has the blessing of knowing you!!
Rhonda-you are an inspiration to all!!! I love your “can do” attitude…we should all be more like you.
rhonda!!! how cool are you?! and such an inspiration. I enjoyed reading more about your life and am so glad you joined us here at Vandy! looking forward to doing dayshift with you!
I have known Rhonda for two years, now, and she is absolutely amazing. When I feel as though life has got me down, she always comes “wheeling”around the corner with her service dog Art and makes me smile just by being there. You truely are an inspiration to all who know you, whether you know it or not. I am glad I got to meet you and I am proud to call you friend! You are awesome! :)
I met Rhonda many years ago at the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament, that has raised money for UCP every year for more than 20 years. Early on, I met Rhonda, who took her time to volunteer like many of us do. It didn’t take me long to realize that I’d met a very cool human being.
Every year, I looked forward to seeing her there and sometimes at other places. A couple of years ago I was a patient at Vanderbilt while waiting for a liver transplant.
Since I had been cooped up for a while, I asked a friend to roll me out into the sunshine. As I sat there enjoying being outside, I saw her shooting by faster than I could walk.
I laughed and yelled out her name.
She stopped, looked around and spotted me sitting outside the McDonald’s at the hospital drinking hot coffee.
She spun around and zipped right over. We had a pleasant visit and she was an inspiration to a guy in my condition.
I have to thank her again for that bit of encouragement and for being a good example of what grit and determination can do.
Rhonda, I am proud to call you my friend. I’ll see you soon as we once again watch these crazy women try to play golf!
This is a great article and Rhonda, you are very inspirational. I am sharing this story with others, and of course, I signed the petition!!
Gril, you truly are an inspiration to many people! This world is hard enough to get by than to add a disability on top of it. But you said it right, you may have CP, but it doesn’t have you! I tell my son that same thing ( except he has MD). You are what you make of yourself and you certainly are a wonderful, successful, woman who has her amazing dog Art by her side! :)
Rhonda,
Sounds like you have made quite the impact on many peoples lives….I’m sure that you will inspire more in the future. Congrats..that is a great accomplishment. Thanks for this post!
Rhonda
Since I met you I always felt that what you wanted to do you would do it. Keep doing what you are doing and keep up the spirit that you have for life and yourself.
Rhonda has a really big heart, full of courage as well as compassion for others, and she inspires me every day with her commitment to all she believes in and strives to obtain.
You are such an amazing person and friend who always keeps me smiling with your positive attitude.
I have known Rhonda from not long after she moved to Nashville. I met Rhonda through Saint Edwards Church and through there I started to transport her to work on a weekly basis. I see her on average once every week or so and chat on the phone some too. Over the years I have gained so much admiration for her drive and attitude. Despite her physical shortcommings she still has the persistence of an overactive Rat Terrier. Despite all that Rhonda has to deal with, like taking hours to dress EVERY DAY, worrying about her transportation, food, shopping…you name it… RHONDA NEVER GIVES UP! If all the people in this country had her attitude and drive we would be out of this recession by now.
Rhonda, Keep it up!
Dennis
Rhonda,
You are such a great writer! I love how you said that everything and everyone has a purpose…make a difference…today! You are so right! You are such a wonderful example and role model to everyone you meet. You are a wonderful person and friend!
Sara
You are one amazing person. I have loved getting to know you since you have been at Vanderbilt. You are living proof that where there is a will, there is a way.
Love,
Vickie
Rhonda,
What a pleasure it was to read your story. You are an inspiration. You have accomplished many things in your life. You are evidence that people should not give up on lifes struggles. Reading your story reminds me of a quote my gymnastics coach use to say “I can’t means won’t”, and that is so true! I love working with you and am honored to have you as a friend!
Deanna
Rhonda: I’m always amazed at your talent and tenacity. I am a huge fan…