Defying the Odds: Danielle's Journey with Cerebral Palsy

A photo of Danielle, who discusses her journey with cerebral palsy

Danielle was born a micro preemie at just 25 weeks, weighing only 1 pound 8 ounces. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, doctors gave her a .5% chance of living a meaningful life. Alongside cerebral palsy, she also lives with POTS and scoliosis, but this has not stopped her from owning a restaurant at the age of 25 and empowering individuals with disabilities. With the support of her family, friends, therapists, and caregivers, Danielle has been able to thrive, turning challenges into opportunities.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects motor function, caused by a brain injury before or shortly after birth. In Danielle’s case, all four limbs are affected. She was wheelchair dependent until she was 6 years old, then transitioned to a walker and eventually forearm crutches. Her own journey with disability has led her to create opportunities for others. At her restaurant Pizza Pete’s in the south suburbs of Chicago (which has now opened a second location) she encourages an inclusive and accessible environment for both her employees and customers, while also donating 20% of proceeds to families in need every Tuesday.

In this episode of Major Pain podcast, Danielle emphasizes the importance of gratitude, noting that if she had been born just three years earlier, prior to certain medical advances that impacted her early care, she might not have survived. Additionally, Danielle raises awareness that cerebral palsy exists on a spectrum, which tends to be overlooked in media portrayals of this disease. She has proved the doctors wrong who claimed she would never lead a meaningful life, not only through her personal journey but through the impact she continues to make on her community.

Podcast description by Kait Williams @alignedk8

Watch the episode on YouTube, or listen on your favorite podcast platform.