We Deserve Better - Dorrin Rosenfeld

Marvin Ray Risen was born with mild right side spastic hemilegia cerebral palsy. He is now in his mid 40's and over the years, has learned some tricks in coping with this acquired brain injury. He describes himself as learning very slowly with trouble remembering different things. He has been on his own since he was 17, and during that time has learned what he can and cannot do. He has worked to improve himself mentally, physically, and emotionally.

His major stressor - and satisfaction - comes from his marriage of 17 yrs with two children. He happily reports that his kids do not have cerebral palsy at all. His wife was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy as well as other disabilities. He mentions that getting older is more difficult than it is for the average person; he has to take it easier now.

Because the symptoms are focused on his Rt. side, he practices constantly to relax the tightened muscles. One of the major activities concerns writing, just his name or practicing penmanship. Another activity he does is he pushes himself to handle stressful activities and people. Since we all live in this world with others, that is a constant battle. One of his major struggles, though, is regulatig his own mood and overcoming depression. This battle has been a life-long struggle, but he has obviously found a successful compromise with life.