JUST KEEP DANCING
Tracy Cohen lives with cerebral palsy. She describes how her extraordinary determination and support network give her courage to tackle life head-on.
With my headphones on and the music playing at full volume, I feel free. From rock to dance to pop, my love for music started early and today I can’t imagine my world without a soundtrack. Transported to a world where I believe in myself and my capabilities, this is my happy place. It’s where I’m ready to tackle anything life throws at me. I live with cerebral palsy, which affects my walking and overall mobility. I know life is never going to stop throwing challenges my way.
Cerebral palsy is a movement and co-ordination disorder caused by incomplete development of or damage to areas of the brain that control muscles. This can be the result of problems during pregnancy, the birthing process or after birth. I was born breech at three weeks premature, and doctors suspect this could have played a role in my diagnosis, which was only confirmed three years later.
I received all the necessary interventions immediately; such as regular physiotherapy and swimming lessons – and although I only started walking independently a few years later, my mother ensured I didn’t miss out on anything by transporting me wherever I wanted to go. This sometimes meant carrying me around the shops and friends’ houses. Growing up, I was surrounded by love and treated as if my disability was a non-issue. I enjoyed dressing up and playing with my mother’s make-up. I was fearless in my pursuit of having as much fun as possible with my older sister.
OVERCOMING THE ODDS
Having started at a special needs school, it became clear I was being held back intellectually. I eventually joined a mainstream school at the beginning of Grade 5, which, at the time, was a big step forward for inclusive education. As I progressed through to high school, I felt socially isolated by my peers. I was never bullied, but I was often alone at break time and excluded from arrangements outside of school. It was a very lonely and challenging time, and I became depressed, affecting my motivation and interest in academics. These challenges came in addition to my physical difficulties; like low energy levels and spasms in my muscles. In Grade 10, I had to have surgery on my leg, keeping me away from school for over three months. Overcoming the odds, I gained my Matric certificate and studied journalism at college.
“Tracy’s physical challenges have affected her mental health. She is always brave, but her disabilities can leave her feeling isolated, anxious and depressed. She knows how difficult it is for people with cerebral palsy to navigate the world.”
Dr Ravi Govender, a psychiatrist at Mediclinic Cape Town
As a young adult, my depression continued and proved debilitating, sometimes even affecting my day-to-day functioning. I often battled to get out of bed and keep my commitments. My frustrations around my physical limitations often spilled into my mental wellbeing. Dr Ravi Govender, a psychiatrist at Mediclinic Cape Town, says, “Tracy’s physical challenges have affected her mental health. She is always brave, but her disabilities can leave her feeling isolated, anxious and depressed. She knows how difficult it is for people with cerebral palsy to navigate the world.”
Having cerebral palsy means I’m physically different and sometimes this affects my relationships with other people. I have been disappointed and hurt by people who I thought were friends. I know the people who remain in my life are authentic; those who see beyond my unique way of walking. They celebrate the woman I am, helping me feel valued.
GIVING BACK
One of the ways I fill my cup is to give back to those in need. In 2018, I was able to marry my philanthropic endeavours with my passion for music by teaming up with musician Francois van Coke to raise money for education of underprivileged children. Through this self-driven initiative, I was able to bring disability awareness to the music industry.
“The people who remain in my life see beyond my unique way of walking. They celebrate the woman I am, helping me feel valued.”
Tracy Cohen
Walking demands a lot from my body, forcing it to work extremely hard. I must monitor my diet to ensure I don’t put on any extra weight, which could make it more difficult for me to walk. I also wear custom-made splints to help my posture and I might have to undergo further surgical procedures to increase the longevity of the joints in my legs. In addition, I have to be kind to myself because I still battle with depression.
At times, I’m overwhelmed by all the extra concerns in order to take care of myself. Other times I am resilient and remember Nietzsche’s famous adage, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger”.