Chandler Borland's Story

Although fourteen-year-old Chandler Borland has Cerebral Palsy, he is optimistic, witty, and a favorite among students at his high school. As of 2004, Chandler plays the role of “ambassador” for the Easter Seals Society, an organization that has helped disabled children live almost as independently as their “able-bodied peers.”

Despite the doctors’ suggestions that Chandler’s mother abort him because of the health problems he would have, Mrs. Borland-Comartin gave birth to Chandler—12 weeks early. After spending months in an incubator, Chandler was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. His mother watched and worried as he rapidly lost weight, and at age one, stopped eating altogether. But just in time, Chandler’s life was saved by a computerized feeding system from the Easter Seals Society. His weight is still an issue (just 70 lbs on a good day), but Chandler’s cheerful outlook on life is not hindered by health problems.

“I have CP but it’s a lot less severe than other kids,” he remarks, “It’s important for people to know never to give up, no matter how bad it gets…I just want to tell the world to give back.”

Chandler believes he was born with Cerebral Palsy for a reason. For now, he is happy to make life more cheerful for others and to promote the work of the Easter Seals Society, in the hope that more disable children may benefit from its efforts the way he has.



Other Links:

Read full article and watch a video about Chandler Borland:
http://www.mykawartha.com/news/article/27989

This is a link to the website of a professional teen photographer:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html

This is a link to the website of Matt Grajcar, who found his purposes in his teen years:
http://mattgrajcar.com/home.htm