James Mooney joins us on the Cerebral Palsy Perspective to share his story of growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating major surgeries, building a career, becoming a husband and father, staying active, and developing the mindset that continues to carry him forward.

James takes us back to childhood and talks about the surgeries that shaped his mobility, including a major procedure in fifth grade that involved multiple muscle groups in his legs and required him to essentially learn how to walk again.

But this conversation is about much more than surgeries or physical limitations.

James talks about the importance of attitude, resilience, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with people who remind you what is possible. He shares how cerebral palsy has made him more resourceful, more creative in solving problems, and more willing to work through challenges that other people might never have to think about.

We also get into work, fitness, aging with cerebral palsy, family, and the little everyday tasks that can require far more energy than most people realize.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation comes when James talks about his family. He shares what it means to have a wife who supports him without hesitation, what parenthood has helped him understand about everything his own parents went through, and a moment with his youngest son that completely changed the way he thought about how his son sees him.

James also talks openly about the importance of movement, going to the gym, challenging himself physically, and doing what he can to stay ahead of some of the changes that can come with cerebral palsy as we get older.

Through all of it, one idea keeps coming back.

Cerebral palsy may shape how we move through the world, but it can also build resilience, problem solving, gratitude, and perspective.

James does not view cerebral palsy as something that prevented him from building the life he wanted. In many ways, he believes it helped make him the person capable of building it.

Connect With Us

James Mooney:

https://www.instagram.com/jamesmooney31/

Chad Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Daryl Perry:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and I catch up on everything that has been happening in his world, and there has been a lot.

Chad shares how the second annual Doing Hard Things My Way event continued to grow, including an 89 percent increase in donations, expanded support, a corporate sponsor, and an in-person 5K in Portland with Cerebral Palsy Strong.

What started as an idea a couple of years ago has continued to grow into something that is creating a real impact within the cerebral palsy community.

That leads us into a bigger conversation about taking chances.

Neither of us believes you have to wait until you feel completely confident before trying something. The uncertainty, anxiety, and “what ifs” do not necessarily disappear as something becomes more successful. Sometimes you simply become more comfortable moving forward while those feelings are still there.

We also talk about Chad’s upcoming races, the knee pain he has been navigating for months, and why continuing to advocate for yourself can matter when the first explanation or treatment does not seem to be working.

For both of us, living with cerebral palsy means constantly learning our own bodies, adapting, experimenting, and figuring out what allows us to stay active without feeling like we are constantly fighting ourselves.

Sometimes the answer is simply to try it and see.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Chad Williams:

instagram.com/chadwillia1

Daryl Perry:

instagram.com/daryltperry

We’re back with a quick update on where things stand with The Cerebral Palsy Perspective.

Season two has already brought some great conversations, new guests, and a growing list of people who want to be part of the podcast. At the same time, both of us have a lot happening outside of the show, so the release schedule may look a little different over the next few weeks and months.

That does not mean the conversations are slowing down.

We are still recording, still connecting with guests, and still building what this podcast can become. The biggest difference is that we are allowing the schedule to be a little more flexible instead of feeling like a new episode absolutely has to come out every Monday.

In this episode, we talk about how the podcast has evolved from something very regimented into something that now has its own rhythm, structure, and momentum.

We also want to hear from you.

If you have cerebral palsy, work within the cerebral palsy community, have a story or perspective you want to share, or think you would be a good fit for a future conversation, this is a great time to reach out.

Connect with Chad on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Connect with Daryl on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

New episodes are coming. The consistency may just look a little different as we continue growing the show and making room for everything ahead.