People with cerebral palsy have made great contributions to society. Writers, scientists, actors and athletes overcame cerebral palsy to become famous. Even though they are considered disabled, their talents and abilities brought them fame, not their disabilities. Someone who has overcome great odds to become successful is a role model to follow.

Each person has certain abilities and disabilities. Famous people usually become famous because they use their abilities to become the best at what they do. People recognize the value of overcoming challenges to fulfill potential. When a person overcomes difficulties to fulfill their potential, they inspire others to do the same. Many people with cerebral palsy have become famous because they focused on what they could do, instead of what they couldn't.

Here are some examples of famous people with cerebral palsy who overcame their own challenges to be the best they could be. They each inspire others to appreciate ability, diversity and human potential.
A Famous Writer with Cerebral Palsy

Christy Brown - Christy wrote an international bestseller about his experiences growing up with cerebral palsy. He began with an autobiography called "My Left Foot," and later expanded it into a novel called "Down All The Days." Christy was born in 1932 in Dublin Ireland and had 12 brothers and sisters. His dad was a bricklayer and his family was very poor. When he was a child, the family doctor told his parents he was mentally disabled and that he would grow up to be retarded. Christy's mother knew her son was intelligent, no matter what the doctors said. Christy's cerebral palsy symptoms made it hard for him to control his speech or movement, except for his left foot. When Christy started using his left foot to hold chalk and make marks on a chalkboard his Mother became convinced he could be taught to read and write. Christy's Mother taught him the alphabet and he eventually became a great writer and poet. Even though Christy had cerebral palsy, he didn't let his it stop him from improving his abilities and to fulfill his potential as a writer.

Other famous writers with cerebral palsy:

Jhamak Ghimire - A poet and writer from Nepal who has won many awards for her writing of literature. She was born with cerebral palsy and overcame many challenges to teach herself to read and write.
A Famous Actor and Comedienne with Cerebral Palsy

Geri Jewell - Geri only weighed 3 pounds when she was born. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 1 year old. As Geri got older, she used humor to help others understand her disabilities and learn to treat her as they would any other person. Geri became a comedienne and worked in comedy clubs all over the country. While Geri was in Los Angeles, she became the first person with a disability to win a regular role in a TV show. Her role was on a hit TV series called "The Facts of Life." She played a family member with cerebral palsy. With her funny performances she delighted audiences and taught many people about the disorder. Geri now is a famous motivational speaker. She travels the country and talks about helping people overcome challenges.
Famous comedians with cerebral palsy:

Chris Fonseca - Chris does his comedy routine all over the United States and writes comedy material for famous comedians like Roseanne Arnold, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.
A Famous Statesmen with Cerebral Palsy

Stephen Hopkins - Signed the Declaration of Independence and then led militias in defense of the United States against the British. He suffered from what is believed to be a mild case of cerebral palsy. History famously records that when he signed the Declaration he said, "My hand may shake but my heart does not." He was a respected member of Congress and helped form America into the country it is today.
Other Famous People with Cerebral Palsy

Thomas Ritter - A director on the board of the United Cerebral Palsy Association, a group his father, Tex Ritter, helped found. His brother was actor John Ritter.

Jerry Traylor - A motivational speaker with cerebral palsy. He is the only person to jog across America on crutches. He has spoken to over a million people about overcoming challenges and life struggles.
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Chris Nolan - An Irish poet who was born breech and was deprived of oxygen for two hours. His resulting cerebral palsy made him unable to speak and or move voluntarily. His famous writings include books and poems.

These are just a few people who have overcome cerebral palsy to become famous. Many famous people have used their fame to help others understand cerebral palsy and dispel its' myths and stereotypes. Famous people with cerebral palsy are role models who weren't stopped by other's judgments of their disabilities. Instead, they worked to make the best of their abilities.