My name is Catarina, however most people call me Cat, I am a 15 year old athlete with cerebral palsy. Having Cerebral palsy affects the way my brain communicates with my nerves and muscles.
When I was about 9 years old I competed in adaptive rock climbing with peak potential. We ended up flying to Georgia to compete nationally and I won third place. When the climbing team broke away, my parents found an adaptive sports team called the north jersey navigators.
“You’re disabled. You shouldn’t be doing that. Pole dancing is hot and you are NOT.” My immediate response was to tell him that pole is really difficult, but you could put any idiot on a bike.
I started riding for the GCC in 2013 because I was a student, not earning a great deal of money but felt the need to give back. In my 20's my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer and my Grandfather died of cancer. I am sure most people know someone who has had the same diagnoses or even lost someone too. I was already cycling a lot, so I thought why not?!