Teen With Cerebral Palsy Makes Magic

Wesley Brooks, an outgoing high school student in New Jersey has cerebral palsy, a condition that significantly affects his movement and posture. Born three months premature and weighing less than one pound, Brooks had only a 75 percent chance of surviving. Fifteen years later, he's beaten a lot of odds and is known as the “Kid Who Makes Magic.”

In 2004, in an effort to conquer yet another adversity, Brooks took up karate classes, not knowing what to expect because of the limited movement he has in his legs, a common symptom of cerebral palsy, as a result of extensive surgery he had seven years ago that forced him to relearn how to walk.

But Brooks persevered and developed a mean kick as well as a desire to advocate for himself and other people like him.

Brooks currently mentors disabled students and helps them deal with day-to-day hardships that he feels he's had the chance to overcome. “I feel good about it because it might limit some of what their anxieties are, so they are prepared for what might come,” he said.

The dedicated teen also motivates the high school football team by speaking at rallies, during practice, and games, helping them to have the best season yet. He's won trophies for his determination in karate, has been recognized for his advocacy work, and treasures the Helping Hand Award he got from the football team.

If your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence and now must live with the limitations of cerebral palsy, you should consider contacting an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer who can help you determine if you have a cerebral palsy case.