Mitchell’s Story
by Mitchell Bourque
My name is Mitchell Bourque, and I am 23 years old with a condition known as cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a physical condition I was born with due to complications at birth. As a result, I have to be in a wheelchair and am dependent on others top help me with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and etc. I have had over 40 surgeries to help improve my living situation. I have had anything from botox injections to major procedures such as a hip reconstruction and a spinal fusion. I also have a backclophen pump in me to help control my spasms.
Despite the cerebral palsy, all the surgeries, and medications, I have still lived a great life. It took a lot of work and attending 2 schools, but I was able to graduate high school in 2013 and even was able to pass my MCAS tests. Since high school, I tried to enroll in different day programs, but none of them really appealed to me. I was fortunate to start working with Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, where me and my fellow advocates do presentations all over the state that are centered in encouraging others in similar situations as myself to live their lives to the fullest as well. I love informing the public about my condition, but I most enjoy telling others to live life to the fullest. When I am not doing work with the advocates, I am working on a book about my life as well.
I have been fortunate to have amazing people in my life along the way to help me and keep me motivated. First I can't express how amazing my mama and papa are, and I would not trade the relationship I have with them for anything in the world. Because I cannot talk without my echo machine, and I've only had it for a couple years, they had to find innovative ways to communicate with me. They know what I'm saying the mood I’m in just by the movement of my eyes or head. I also have had many great PCA's in my life that I have built friendships with over the years. They mean a lot to me because they take care of me as well, and give my mama and papa a break to live their lives as well.
I love to have fun just like anyone else does. Between my advocates presentations and working on my book, I love to unwind at a country concert. Every summer we get the mega ticket so I have literally seen everyone. Last February in fact, my papa arranged for me to meet my favorite, Carrie Underwood on my birthday. She is just as sweet and beautiful in person. She even wished me a happy birthday in front of the whole audience! My celebrity meet list doesn't stop there, I have also met Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban. I am also an avid New York Yankees fan. I have even been to Yankee Stadium to see them play.
So yes my life has been rough at times, and I wish the pain and surgeries would stop. But, then I am quick to remember how blessed I am. I have a great family, and have had some amazing experiences, and hope that my story can encourage others not to look at the bad, but be thankful for the good in their lives. I know in mine, the good outweighs the bad.