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OUR LIFE Kurt’s story: Hitting the gas pedal Kurt Peterson is busy breaking stereotypes. He has minor Cerebral Palsy, affecting his left side, but he’s never let the condition stop him taking on a challenge. “It’s motivated me to hit the gas pedal and achieve my dreams,” he says. After running his first marathon in November, 2020 he has gone on to complete a full Olympic triathlon, two more triathlons, and a number of mock triathlons. His next goal is the Taupo Ironman on December 10, 2022. Kurt spends a lot of time training at the gym, and has a support team which includes a physiotherapist, nutritionist, coach, personal trainer, chiropractor and swim instructor. Kurt’s ultimate goal is to run the length of the country. “I don’t want to look back on my life and think ‘I reallywish I’d done that’.” Kurt was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was 9 months old. He has weak muscle tone down the left side of his body, with limited movement of his left ankle. His lack of coordination was a big issue as a child and he had to learn how to use his left side, which involved therapy, several surgeries and corrective plasters. Kurt Peterson is preparing for his first Ironman. Grace started exploring the options for getting driving lessons and a modified car. Thanks to the help of her dad, her own savings and an Individual Grant from the Cerebral Palsy Society in 2015, Grace was able to pay for driving lessons. She got her licence in 2018 and a funding application to the Lottery Grants Board helped her secure her first car and carry out modifications, in 2019. As for life with a driver’s licence – Grace says her life has “definitely changed”. “I enjoy the independence. It’s a good feeling. I can go where I want to go without having to wait for anyone else.” “For me, being able to go out and to do my own thing is massive. “It definitely improves your quality of life.” The full version of this article was published in The Review Jan-April 2022. The full version of this article was published in The Review May-Aug 2022 . Kurt was co-chair of the former Cerebral Palsy Youth Alliance. “I’ve always had the pleasure of having the Society on my side and I’ve made it my goal to help everyone the same way I was. “I want to break the stereotypes that someone with Cerebral Palsy can’t do something.” 2021-2022 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 21