“I want my trip to push all limits and build courage, so it will become an experience I can use to encourage others. I also want to make new connections. I really hope MDCT will support me in making those connections and creating opportunities to share my story with new audiences.”
Brooke Brown was born with cerebral palsy and hails from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University as a recipient of the Walter Cronkite Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Brooke loves to tell all types of stories that encourage others. She’s the author of The Little Butterfly Girl, a writer for Autumn and LivAbility Magazines, an actor in Theatre360, and a public speaker while doing part-time marketing work for Focus Employment Services as well. In the fall of 2014, she also founded Brooke’s Butterfly Touch: Creative Storytelling Services, which strives to help others discover the power in sharing their own stories in order to cultivate hope, opportunities, and understanding.
Winter is always a rough time of year for me. The cold weather makes my muscular spasticity worse, further limiting my mobility and increasing my pain. This often makes me feel caged in my own body. Therefore, there are very few outdoor activities I can enjoy, but I’m certain skiing is one of them. Being able to ditch my chair and race down a mountain on my own steam, facing the cold on my terms will release me from my cage. The adrenaline rush will warm and loosen my tight muscles, not to mention make this winter a lot more fun!
If I’m able to overcome one of my most frustrating physical limitations, even just for a few hours, it will further bolster my courage in conquering ANY challenge life throws at me, mobility issues or not, just as Jennifer always inspires me to do. It will be one more story I can share to encourage others.
Skiing is by no means the only dream I have for my life, though. Someday I hope to have the ability to share my story internationally, especially in places like Ireland.I also hope to become a well-respected inspirational author. I don’t seek fame or fortune; I only wish to use my gifts to be a beacon of hope in today’s society.
