Woman with Cerebral Palsy Takes College Degree

Cerebral palsy wasn’t enough to keep a determined 22-year-old Kentucky woman from earning her college degree.

Kirsten Barraclough was born with cerebral palsy, a birth injury that affects the areas of the brain that control muscle movement. However Barraclough was determined to enroll in the University of Louisville despite the challenges posed by her condition. There, she “studied day and night” to earn her English degree, says WHAS11.com, a local news site.

She admits the past four years weren’t always easy. “I motivated myself by keeping at it," Barraclough said. "It’s not going to magically become easy. But if you keep going you have those support systems around you that it will make it so worth it.”

Her parents pitched in, designing a special home study for her. The study includes an easel to help her read up close and a laptop for lecture review. Her mother, Marilyn Barraclough, also helped by driving her to school, taking her to classes, and cheering her on. “It has been a very bonding several years,” said Marilyn Barraclough. Her devotion to her daughter inspired the university to name her the 2011 “Parent of the Year.”

After taking her degree, Kirsten Barraclough plans to work as a librarian. "It is so worth it. I would do it all again,” she said.

Cerebral palsy is a disability resulting from injury to the brain before, during or shortly after birth. Approximately 8,000 infants born in the United States are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. If your child may have suffered from negligent medical care that resulted in a birth injury such as cerebral palsy, call Sokolove Law today. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

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