Heather Latter
Members of the local Kiwanis Club were treated to a special visit by Cory Johnson, Governor of Western Canada District, who spoke during last night’s meeting about turning disabilities into possibilities.
Over the years, Johnson has had many obstacles to overcome. He was born with cerebral palsy and then suffered a stroke at the age of 11.
But that has not deterred him from living life to the fullest.
As a motivational speaker by profession, Johnson talked to the local Kiwanians about determination and perseverance.
After his stroke, Johnson had to learn to walk and talk again.
“I didn’t have a lot of confidence,” he admitted, adding that once he had graduated from high school, his mom wanted him to go on disability.
“And I said to her that I’m not going on disability, I’m going to work for the rest of my life,” he recalled.
He got a job volunteering at Kamp Kiwanis and returned for the next six years, working his way up to being a counsellor.
Johnson then got a job at a bank and one day was asked to join the Kiwanis Club in Strathmore, Alta. He rejuvenated the club, recruiting 13 new members, and now is the district governor.
While Johnson can’t change the fact he has cerebral palsy, he indicated there are “disabilities” that we all have that we can change, such as worrying, procrastination, acting angry, judging/criticizing, lacking gratitude, and not being true to yourself.
“These things we can change to become more successful,” he stressed.
“When people feel bad about themselves, then they become limited.”
He noted if he believed he wasn’t good enough, was angry and withdrawn all the time, he’d never reach his full potential.
Johnson encouraged those on hand to celebrate their differences, and not let words like “disability” or “cerebral palsy” define who a person is.
Johnson added plenty of humour to his presentation, which isn’t a surprise since he was a semi-finalist on “Canada’s Next Top Comic.”
He also is the author of the books “I’m not Drunk, I’m Disabled” and “Sunny Days,” and has a Canadian record in track-and-field in the 100m event.
Local club president Shanda DeGagne-Begin noted it was a “real treat” to hear Johnson’s speech, and that members learned a lot about removing limitations and barriers for people in the community.
