Katy (Fetters) Gaastra

With this collective, it is my hope to develop a community-led organization so that those in the CP community can be better served in life by the ones who understand them best—their peers. 

My name is Katy (Fetters) Gaastra & I started CPstrong in 2017 in order to evolve my presence online after I outgrew my blog called TeenCP. More importantly, I aim to continue to host a dynamic place to share stories about myself, others, and our experiences as young adults with cerebral palsy. 

My goal is, and always will be to speak up; to remember that I have a voice when I feel small and that you do too! Moreover, to remind myself and others who have ever felt less than that these stories are important and are meant to be told. Others outside the disability community need to see that we are in control of our own narrative.

The mobility device I wear is called an ExoSym

I have left hemiplegic CP

I am an identical twin (born at 27 weeks)

I am one of four siblings, raised by a bodybuilder dad & nutrition conscious mom

I love being close to the ocean; the outdoors & open spaces

I camped/hiked/drove with my adventurous fiance through most of South America in 2017. About 7,000+ miles in 5 months

I am a proud alum of Soka University of America for my undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts.

In 2019, I earned a graduate degree in Media & Public Engagement at The University of Colorado, Boulder.

I am the Digital Engagement Manager for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

I am always thinking about what I want to do next…

Contact me: [email protected]

Follow: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
 
For more about me & my vision for Cerebral Palsy Strong: