Twenty-one years ago, Katherine Turner Farr was born in Atlanta. She was the eldest of five children, including a sister and three brothers. Katherine was born with cerebral palsy, and her family, doctors, and caregivers knew something was amiss from the start.
A newborn with cerebral palsy (CP) is born every hour. Approximately one million people in the United States and eighteen million people globally are diagnosed with this illness. A collection of neurological conditions known as cerebral palsy impact posture, muscle tone, and mobility. It is caused by brain injury that happens prior to, during, or soon after birth. It’s crucial to remember that cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of diseases that impact motor abilities rather than a specific illness. Because damage can occur in different parts of the brain, the severity and variety of symptoms can vary greatly.Kat Turner Farr, Katherine
It must have been clear to Katherine right away that she would have to work hard to accomplish everything she planned to do in the days, weeks, and years ahead. It was clear right away that she would not use the word “no” frequently in the future. Katherine’s family dealt with each day together in a loving yet worried manner. Katherine’s incredible determination was to just be one of the children as the years went by and challenges were overcome. She had no trouble making friends, and with a great deal of help, she was able to transform her limitation into a powerful strength.
It is not surprising that she is athletic given that both her parents and all of her siblings are. She joined the track team in middle school. “Well, everyone else is doing it!” was her reaction when asked why she wanted to take part. Her unwavering determination enabled her to finally outperform rivals in the track’s ambulatory division and take home four state titles, even though she needed a walker. Why not, her? In addition to helping her win races, her attitude motivates everyone who follows her in life.
Two days prior to her 21st birthday, I conducted an interview with Kat, as she prefers to be called. At first, her CP made it difficult for me to understand her words. But eventually, I started to understand what she was saying, and I promise you that you will want to hear it.
I was enthralled with her beauty and happiness as we sat at her breakfast table. A happy face was framed by her long, dark hair. Her captivating appeal was further enhanced by her pink cheeks and sparkling eyes.
What do you wish more people knew about having mobility problems or cerebral palsy? I inquired.
Neither mental incapacity nor fragility characterize us. “Like everyone else, we have feelings, goals, and desires,” Kat said.
Given Kat’s strong religious beliefs, I asked, “Did you ever feel closer to God?”
It all changed with the arrival of COVID. People and school were different. I experienced a wave of depression when people started expressing their rage and harsh thoughts on social media. In an attempt to help myself and others get over the sadness, I resorted to prayer and leaned on God for comfort.
People are champions when nothing prevents them from being the finest versions of themselves.
Her response has a fundamental lesson: people who seem normal can act improperly and negatively impact the pleasure of others.
Kat What are your future objectives?
“Completing my academic journey at the University of Georgia,” she responded. Along with pursuing a profession in media, public relations, and marketing, I hope to keep strengthening my bonds with my Tri Delt sorority sisters. I’m hoping to get accepted to the Grady School of Journalism in Georgia.
What do you hope to accomplish after that? Getting married and having kids? I asked.
Her kind response was, “I want it all!”
Her passion is country music. She chuckles at the day she was in the front row of a Luke Bryan concert due to her infirmity. When the musician noticed her, he left the stage to give her a hug. Anyone would leave a song to meet Kat, so it’s hardly a stretch.
You will find a way to realize your dreams if God puts them in your heart.
Heroes of all ages and types exist. We witness people narrating their story on a large screen or in combat. But there are a few coming up soon. They might need help all day long, speak slowly, and stagger. However, people are champions when nothing prevents them from being their best selves.
We learn about inspiration by looking at other people’s lives. We can be inspired to achieve the greatness they embody by their infectious attitudes.
What advice would you offer to people who are hesitant to follow their aspirations due to perceived obstacles?
Kat had a meaningful response, and I could easily understand what she was saying: If God puts a dream in your heart, you will find a way to make it a reality.
Katherine Turner Farr embodies hope more than anyone else.
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Author and journalist Lynn Walker Gendusa was born in Tennessee and currently resides in Georgia. Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith is her most recent book.Her website is www.lynngendusa.com.Click here to read more of her motivational tales.
