Jessica Denise Grono

10/08/2026

Today Was a Humbling Day ❤️

Today I had a barium swallow test to try to figure out why swallowing has become so difficult for me and why I can’t eat food the way I used to.

Most of the people who helped me today were absolutely wonderful. They were kind, patient, and understanding, and that means more than they probably realize.

Unfortunately, I also learned some news that wasn’t exactly what I was hoping to hear. It turns out there are several reasons why I’ve been having trouble swallowing, and it’s a little overwhelming to take it all in.

Living with cerebral palsy for 51 years has taught me to adapt to many things, but that doesn’t mean every new challenge is easy to accept. Eating is something most people don’t think twice about until it becomes difficult. It’s such a simple pleasure in life, and realizing that something I once did more easily has become a struggle is humbling.

I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. Hopefully, with more testing and the right medical team, we can come up with a solid plan to make eating and swallowing easier and safer.

Today reminded me that even someone who considers herself strong and independent can have moments of vulnerability. And that’s okay.

I’m thankful for the people who treated me with kindness today, for the answers we’re beginning to find, and for the hope that there will be solutions.

One day at a time, one prayer at a time. ❤️

10/07/2026

A little reflection before world cerebral palsy day ends. My life has been anything but ordinary. Cerebral palsy just added to it.

I’ve had cancer, vocal cord paralysis, became a widow, su***de survivor, single mom, emotionally abused, verbally abused, discriminated against, emotionally drained and almost died probably about 4 times, remarried, misdiagnosed, struggled with ptsd….but…

Cerebral palsy was probably the least of the complications.

Because of cerebral palsy, I’ve met wonderful caregivers, played hockey, went to a wonderful college, am a teacher of more than academics, wrote a book, laugh at everything, appreciate the little things, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, drove some cool wheelchairs, travel is always an adventure, loves dancing, burn calories without thinking about it and can still crawl no problem at 51 years old.

A disability isn’t the end of the world. It can take you on adventures and experiences that you never knew existed. Here I am with two kids who I love more than anything, a husband who will do whatever it takes to make me independent and happy, caregivers who make me smile and help me achieve my goals and family who value me as just me. Most people who walk aren’t half as lucky as I am. So, don’t feel bad for me because cerebral palsy (the other stuff…maybe lol)

10/06/2026

Who says cats aren’t fun?

10/06/2026

For World Cerebral Palsy Day, I want to share something that comes straight from my heart. 💚

Cerebral palsy changes how I move and can affect how I speak, but it doesn’t change my need for friendship, connection, and belonging. Please don’t assume that the way someone moves or speaks tells you how they think. We have opinions, dreams, humor, and feelings that deserve to be heard.

If you take one thing away from today, please understand that living with cerebral palsy can be lonely. Sometimes we aren’t invited because including us might take extra planning, assistance, or finding an accessible place.

Please invite us anyway. Ask what would help us come, and let us decide what we can manage.

I’ll be honest: being left out hurts. I get depressed when I’m not invited or included. Seeing everyone make memories together while wondering whether anyone thought to ask me is a difficult feeling.

But being asked? That means everything. Even if I can’t go, knowing someone wants me there reminds me that I matter to them.

An invitation can be a simple message: “Would you like to come?” Those few words can make someone’s whole day.

Invite us. Include us. We want to make memories with you, too. 💚

10/06/2026

Happy World Cerebral Palsy Day. My life would be boring without it.

10/06/2026

💚 World Cerebral Palsy Day 💚

Tomorrow is World Cerebral Palsy Day, and if there is one thing I want people to understand, it is this:

Cerebral palsy changes the way I move. It does not change the way I think, feel, love, dream, teach, parent, or belong.

I have lived with cerebral palsy my entire life. I use a wheelchair. I need help with many physical things. My speech and movements may look different. But behind all of that is simply a person who wants the same things everyone else wants—to be respected, included, valued, and loved.

One of the hardest parts of living with a disability isn’t always the disability itself. Sometimes, it’s the loneliness.

Sometimes people with disabilities aren’t invited because getting somewhere may take extra planning. Maybe the place isn’t accessible. Maybe someone assumes it will be too difficult. Maybe they think we’ll say no anyway.

Please invite us anyway.

Let us decide what we can and cannot do.

I won’t pretend exclusion doesn’t hurt me. It does. There are times when not being invited or included makes me feel depressed and lonely. On the other hand, simply being asked can mean more than someone realizes.

Accessibility isn’t only ramps, elevators, and wider doorways. It’s also making room for someone in your plans, your conversations, your classroom, your workplace, and your community.

So on World Cerebral Palsy Day, remember this:

💚 See the person, not the wheelchair.
💚 Don’t assume—ask.
💚 Include us even when it takes a little extra effort.
💚 Speak to us, not around us.
💚 And most importantly, invite us anyway.

Cerebral palsy is part of my life, but it isn’t the limit of my life.

10/05/2026

When you have cerebral palsy and getting over a cold- medicine begins to wear off and your silently negotiating with your nose to behave until 3 because you’re at work!!!!

10/05/2026

Monday Motivation 💛

I’ve been sick all weekend, and now that I’m feeling better, I suddenly want to do everything! Apparently, my to-do list didn’t get the message that I was resting. 😂

I’ve started a morning prayer routine on Hallow, I’m journaling, and I’m working at least four days a week. I’m also trying to go live more and keep moving toward getting my book published. Yet somehow, I still feel like I’m not doing enough.

Why do I do that to myself? Sometimes I wonder if living with cerebral palsy plays a part. Because I’m not walking, do I feel like I always need to be doing something else to prove I’m productive? I don’t know, but I’m trying to understand that feeling.

This Monday, I’m reminding myself that my worth doesn’t depend on how much I accomplish. Prayer counts. Rest counts. Small steps toward a big dream count, too. I can be excited about my goals and still give myself time to recover.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing so much, but somehow it’s still not enough? What helps you give yourself a little grace?

10/05/2026

10/04/2026

I dreamt last night that I went on a week long cruise alone in a portable motorized wheelchair. I woke up very confused and hugged my husband.