I’m still a teenager, and I had a stroke at birth which caused a disability called hemiplegia. I have right-side hemiplegia, which means my right side is weaker than my left.

I joined ATOU as a speaker this year because I wanted to let people know that just because I have a disability it doesn't mean that I can't do whatever I want to do. Sometimes I just do things a little differently or my friends, family or service dog, Lucey, help me.  I love to ride horses, fish, water ski, ride jet skis and snow mobiles, and have been cheer leading for the last three years.

I like speaking with ATOU because it gives me a chance to let a person know that kids can also have strokes - it’s not just something that happens to older people. It also gives me the chance to let other kids know that I like to do the same things they do. I just may do them a little differently.