Championing Strength and Resilience

Cerebral palsy doesn’t define a person – their strength, resilience, and dreams do, This March, we celebrate the voices, victories, and visibility of the CP community.

During this month, we recognize the unwavering determination and limitless potential of those living with CP in all its forms. Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong motor disability, affecting more than 17 million people worldwide. But what exactly is CP? It is a group of disorders that impact movement and muscle tone, often caused by brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. While the severity of CP varies from person to person, individuals with the condition may experience difficulty with motor skills, muscle control, and coordination. However, it’s important to remember that CP does not define an individual’s full potential.

Despite increased awareness, CP often remains an overlooked condition. For many individuals, every day is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. Yet there is still a pressing need to highlight the importance of early intervention, continuous support, and dismantling societal barriers.

At From We Can’t to We Can, we are dedicated to promoting empowering stories and authentic representation for all disabled children, especially those living with CP and other motor disorders. As passionate advocates for positive change, we provide essential resources that foster independence and inclusion. Awareness is a crucial first step. By shedding light on the realities of cerebral palsy, we can inspire action and ensure that individuals with CP have the opportunities to thrive—in education, employment, community involvement, and beyond.

Throughout this month, let’s come together to support the CP community. Whether through donating to organizations that assist individuals with cerebral palsy, educating ourselves and others about the condition, or simply listening to the stories of those who live with it, we all have the power to make a difference.

From an early age, I adopted the mindset that adversity could be transformed into meaningful action. That belief is what led me to become both a journalist and a fearless advocate for people like me. My life has not followed a traditional path. Every small step became a triumph. My curiosity, deep appreciation for storytelling, and sense of pride in my identity have driven me to help others navigate obstacles with courage and determination.

As an Asian American, gay, and physically disabled young man, I have faced challenges that could have held me back. Instead, they have fueled my passion for advocating for marginalized communities and inspiring others to create positive change. My personal experiences have shaped my understanding of advocacy and the transformative power of inclusive storytelling.

As a journalist, I strive to share stories of resilience and offer a voice to individuals who have overcome tremendous obstacles with unshakable tenacity and grace. Growing up, characters like me were rarely the protagonists of stories; they were often sidelined or entirely absent. As a writer, I aim to change that narrative, ensuring that every person’s story is told and celebrated.

Every effort I make is deeply personal, yet it is about something larger than myself: helping others find hope, community, and a sense of belonging. These experiences have reinforced a profound truth—when we use our strengths to uplift others, we discover deeper meaning in our own lives.

Through projects like Stonewall Superlatives and my contributions to From We Can’t to We Can, I work to build spaces rooted in trust, kindness, and community. I strive to provide a platform where people feel heard, validated, and empowered. Beyond my professional work, I have found joy in mentoring and leading others, guiding fellow writers as they achieve their own successes.

People often ask me if I wish I could be someone else or if they should feel sympathy for my situation. My response is always the same: I cannot change what has already been written, but I can embrace who I am—and inspire others to do the same.

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Super Style, Seven Years Strong

By TJ Edmund • August 5, 2025

Super Style, Seven Years Strong TJ Edmund, August 2025 They said it couldn’t be done — until it was. For seven years, From We Can’t to We Can has fulfilled its promise to provide safe, authentic support for families navigating disability, all inspired by Trinity’s enduring commitment to her best friend, Alexus. Together, we’ve proven that nothing is impossible. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” And this year, we’ve done it again — bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before. To coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on Saturday, July 26, we proudly celebrated our own milestone—the seventh anniversary of our nonprofit—through our beloved biannual fundraiser, Including You! Runway. Held at Rowan University’s Pfleeger Concert Hall, the event welcomed hundreds of passionate donors, dedicated volunteers, and community members for an unforgettable evening dedicated to improving the lives of families with disabilities across our region. The magic of the evening wasn’t just in the lights, music, or fashion—it was in the stories of the families who took the runway. For many, Including You! represents more than an event; it’s a chance to be seen, celebrated, and appreciated for exactly who they are. “This event is so special to us because it gives Lilla and Elias an opportunity, they wouldn’t typically have to really show the world how amazing they are. It allows them to be seen and appreciated for who they are.” Rebekah D., mother of models Elias and Lilla For parents like Rebekah, the joy was in watching their children’s confidence shine through, before, during, and after the show. Including You! provides families with a space to connect, share their experiences of triumph and hardship, and celebrate the truth that everyone belongs. We are deeply grateful to our Confidence Sponsors — Apollo Preowned Dealership and Colgate-Palmolive — whose generous support made this night possible. To our Spotlight Sponsors — Deptford Signarama, Consalo Family Farms, and Grungo Law — thank you for your commitment to inclusion. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to our amazing community partners: Krise Services, Wawa, Minuteman Press, Stem Savvy, and Rivera Party Décor, and many others who helped elevate the experience from start to finish. A special thank you goes to The Esther & Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation and The Fairy Godmother’s Boutique of Gloucester City for their continued dedication to our mission. As one of our cherished sponsors, The Fairy Godmother’s Boutique of Gloucester City has played an instrumental role in shaping the vision of Including You! Runway. We are especially grateful to owner Michelle Ferry for her unwavering generosity and partnership in helping our models feel confident and runway ready. A heartfelt shout-out as well to the incredible clothing brands who brought adaptive fashion to life on our runway: befree of Massachusetts, Sense-Ational You of New York, Kennedy’s Korner of Texas, Tommy Hilfiger, Cat and Jack, and many others. Their creativity and commitment to inclusive design left a lasting impression on all in attendance. This year’s theme, “Hollywood Superstars,” brought glamour, energy, and red-carpet fun while also serving as a powerful reminder of the need for better representation of disabled voices in mainstream media. Our ever-energetic emcee, Everett Jackson, filled the room with humor, heart, and charm throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed a red-carpet experience with photo opportunities, delicious refreshments, live performances, a live medical equipment donation presentation, gift raffles, and even the debut of a new book—all while supporting our dream of building a permanent space to host seasonal events and safely house equipment from the Resource Recycler year-round. For parents like our board member Paula, the experience was just meaningful being backstage with her son, the other models, and their families as it was on the runway. “Working as the Fundraising Chair for From We Can’t to We Can with the rest of the team to show the importance of inclusion and representation brings so much joy to my heart.’’ Paula F., Board Member and Auggie’s mom Congratulations to this year’s top three fundraisers– Chavoney, Malcolm, and Aria. Your hard work and dedication ensure that we can continue to support incredible families like yours. To everyone who made Including You! Runway a reality: thank you. Here's to seven years of progress — and many more to come.