My name is Drew Sato, and I have cerebral palsy, but honestly, that’s probably the least interesting thing about me. I’m comical, witty, personable, curious, talented, and most importantly—sassy (with just a side of CP).
My condition makes me unique and results in me navigating life differently than those in the non-disabled community. But at the end of the day, don’t we all want the same thing? To be fully seen as an individual with hopes and dreams and not be reduced to a label, or in this case, a diagnosis.
Make no mistake: I am proud to be a person living with CP. Still, I believe it’s important to be transparent and, quite frankly, honest about the challenges, misconceptions and realities that many of us face each day. My hope is to spotlight just how diverse our experiences can be and to encourage everyone—whether you live with a condition or not— to meet people with openness and curiosity.
As we celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day, I want to share three things I wish people knew about living with CP:
1- Don’t underestimate us, we’re sharp as a tack! I often say that having CP feels like a sober person living in a severely intoxicated person’s body. What I want to do and what my body actually does are not always aligned. However, it’s important to know that we’re fully aware, engaged and able to understand the world around us. We may just need some extra time or tools to communicate.
2- We love to explore new hobbies! Having a creative outlet is so important for self-expression and building community. Right now, I am learning how to paint and bake. It’s not easy but I love the process of developing new skills. (And yes—I am super close to perfecting my rice Krispie treats recipe and would be happy to share it!) I am also an avid blogger who writes about my day-to-day experiences, questions or observations of the world around me. Blogging has helped me find my voice and connect with others who share similar experiences. Whatever the outlet, creativity gives us all a way to express ourselves and develop meaningful connections.
3- Living with CP is not one-size-fits-all. As many of us know, cerebral palsy has many classifications, ranging in severity. No two people experience it in the same way. For some, CP affects mobility; for others, it may impact speech, coordination or fine motor skills. What’s often left out is how we choose to define ourselves. Some of us proudly identify first as people with disabilities, others highlight other aspects of their identity and then the rest of us fall somewhere between the two. Just like anyone else, our identities are layered and are constantly evolving, so don’t be afraid to embrace those changes as they come.
Happy World Cerebral Palsy Day, to my fellow CP Warriors and the people who love and care for them.
~Drew Sato (aka Sassy Girl with a side of CP)
Drew Sato is an Invacare America ambassador and writer who shares personal stories and reflections on life with cerebral palsy, offering an honest look at challenges, resilience, and growth. Blending candor with humor, her storytelling highlights the nuances of lived experience and the lessons found in everyday moments.
