James Blair Kennedy III – or “Jimmy” – as everyone calls him is an amazing young man who is actively involved with raising awareness for Cerebral Palsy (and other disabilities) in his Indianapolis community.

We are inspired by his commitment to changing the perception of those with disabilities and we know you will be too.

Smiles from Nicholas welcomes Jimmy to our family!

About Jimmy Jimmy is a seventh grader at Creekside Middle School in Carmel, Indiana. He has Cerebral Palsy. His condition is more towards the mild end of the spectrum, but none-the-less, he his daily life is inhibited by his muscle impairments.

With the inspiration of his doctor, Chuck Dietzen (founder of the Timmy Foundation), Jimmy started speaking at schools and other places at the age of 5. He wanted to spread the word about the importance of focusing on what people can do, not what they can’t do.

Jimmy writes his own speeches and delivered more than 10 talks last year, often speaking for 30 minutes at a time.

In addition to his public speaking, Jimmy is also a volunteer “patient” for therapy students at the University of Indianapolis. And he participates in an annual wrestling competition that raises money for the Timmy Foundation.

He has been honored by numerous organizations for his volunteer work.

He was honored with a trip to Washington, DC where he was congratulated by Peyton Manning at the 2007 Prudential Spirit of the Community Awards ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum.

Jimmy was honored by the Indiana Pacers as an Indiana Hero at a home game this past November. He received an Indiana Hero medal from Pacer player Stephen Graham and a standing ovation while he stood center court. He is being recognized again in April 2008 during the last home game along with all the other Heroes named this season.

He has been unanimously voted in as the youngest member of the SERTOMA club. SERTOMA means Service of Mankind.

And he has been honored with the 2008 Theresa Goodman Award from the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana. He was given this award because of his support of the goals of UCPA.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Jimmy is a compelling speaker but his favorite part of giving a speech is the questions asked at the end. He enjoys being able to help people understand what CP is and how he lives with it everyday. Knowledge is power and educating people about CP is very important to Jimmy.

Jimmy and his family will be sharing their personal experience with anyone who has a question for them. You can email your questions to Marie Kennedy (Jimmy’s Mom) at MarieKennedy@aol.com. Jimmy and his parents, Marie and Chooch, will answer your questions and send an email back to you. Your questions and their answers will be posted on the Smiles site for other families to read.

(Jimmy, Chooch and Marie Kennedy)

Q: Sure, it’s easy for you, Jimmy walks and talks. Would you feel the same if he were in a wheelchair and couldn’t speak?

A: From Marie: I can see where you might think it is easy because Jimmy seems so “normal”. Anytime your child gets a diagnosis like Cerebral Palsy you almost never know what their ability will be as they grow. The fear, worry, anger, cost of therapies and the label on every form of CP in many ways is the same.

Jimmy is so tight in the morning. He sometimes has to crawl when he wakes up. He works very hard to get around, without complaint. He understands that this is just the way it is. He has pain and endures it.

Often when people see him they see him for a few hours at most. They don’t see his day-to-day struggles or know he often takes a nap after school because it wears him out. After his wrestling events he is so tired he sleeps most of the next day.

While Jimmy’s CP is more mild than severe, he certainly does not have it easy. We have met many new friends that have severe CP, in a wheelchair and can’t speak without a board, etc. Your heart aches when they struggle and it is also filled with pride and respect that they work so hard.

I can say that if Jimmy could not speak so easily then he may not be a public speaker. That would be for someone else to do. He does give speeches because he is so articulate and passionate about spreading the message of “Ability” and being able to share his story and feelings. He feels like it is his mission and he is proud to speak for his friends that don’t talk as easily and we are so proud of him.

If Jimmy were in a wheelchair, I would hope and expect our positive feelings would be the same. I may not be so active in advocating because more of my time might be needed to help Jimmy. I think I would have still written my book with other details and the same message of love and hope.

Q: What is it like to use a walker at school?

A: From Jimmy: It’s like my car even though I don’t have to fill it with gasoline. I can steer it around and when I get tired I have a seat to rest.

Q: Are you in pain?

A: From Jimmy: Yes, sometimes, I am in pain but I know that this just the way it is. I try to deal with it the best I can. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I would prefer you see how hard I try and respect me for that.