Born in 1948, I’ve lived with Cerebral Palsy (CP) since birth, using an electric wheelchair to get around. I currently live with my husband, Rod, in Central Minnesota.

CP is a trauma to the brain, usually at birth, that basically affects motor skills. Its severity depends on how much brain damaged occurred during the trauma. It could be as slight as walking with a limp to living in a completely vegetative state. Me — I cannot walk, so use a motorized wheelchair. I look drunk because of my involuntary movements (which comes in handy at times when I really am drunk!) My speech sounds like a 45 rpm record (remember those?!) being played at 33 1/3. Other than that I’m pretty normal, whatever that is? I was spared my intelligence, which only 40% of those affected with CP can say. For that, I’m grateful!

I have had the privilege to work with students with disabilities as a teacher’s assistant in the St. Paul, MN Schools, teaching the 3 R’s and bit of independence. That experience allowed me to be Transition Coordinator with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. During that period in my life I wrote several independent living skills teaching manuals for the St. Paul Dept. of Education. I also was awarded the very first Governor’s Victory Award in Minnesota for overcoming disability. Winners from each State received their award at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

To balance my life of advocating independence for people with disabilities at the MN Capitol and in numerous organizations, I enjoyed square dancing with the Perfect Squares for 18 years. Perfect Squares is an outgoing gregarious group of wheelchair dancers that perform exhibitions in cities throughout the US and Canada. Jan was also a member and, still is, I might add. I had known Jan but our friendship began to grow as we danced across the country!

Having a disability and working for those with disabilities became a 24/7 job after 40 years. I left the big City behind to escape a hectic lifestyle and moved to the country. Living life as everyone else, I was still being faithful to my purpose of letting others see me doing everything. I even discovered how fun winter could be by riding behind my husband on snowmobile outings! I served the community as Secretary of the local Lions Club. My term is completed in June 2006, and still remain on the Board in the position of Editor for the newsletter.

Surfing the Internet, I came across a web-based system allowing me to send a REAL card to anyone via the Internet. “Wow, what a find!,” I thought and signed up as an Independent Distributor right off the bat. No longer did I have to depend on others to assist me buying, writing and mailing cards for me! The company does it all for me.

I also opened an online downloadable audio book store. Our hectic lifestyle rarely leaves time for relaxing and reading a book, so more people are taking up listening to audio books as they go about everyday tasks. Even music sites like Itunes and eMusic are seeing the market for downloadable audiobooks soar!

The relationship between the webased cards and audiobooks is simple. Both are designed to make life easier. With a click of a mouse, one can now send a card and/or listen to a classic novel. My goal is to present both of these as tools that can provide independence and enjoyment to persons find it difficult to write a greeting card or turn a page in a book.

More info on my two online businesses can be found at http://MakeItHappenOnline.net/

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I am Jan Snook. I have cerebral palsy (CP), similar to Sandy. My husband, Don, also has CP. There are many different types of CP, depending on which part of the brain was damaged. Growing up with a physical disability proved challenging; but for the majority I am happy with the many positive aspects I have experienced in life.

Friendship is probably one of the finest assets one can have. I have been blessed again and again with so many friends that have come into my life. As many of you have heard I am a square dancer and still am a member of “Perfect Squares” square group in Minnesota.

I have experienced holding down a full-time clerical job for twenty-two years; however, I have also gone through the horrible devastation of job downsizing and being let go! I would never wish that on anyone!

But there are always special friends right there to catch you; and I was fortunate again for friends to help guide me to where I am today. My husband, Don, and I constantly help one another. He, too, has Cerebral Palsy. We have been involved with several home based businesses. Send-A-Card has proven to be the best! It has enabled me to remain connected with the numerous friends we have right from my computer. I love writing! So Send-A-Card is so perfect for me. I can just sit here at the computer write to whomever I wish, and click another button, watching my greeting card being sent from the company based in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Kody Bateman, the CEO and Founder of the company has enabled thousands and thousands of people across America, Canada, as well and several other Countries, to do the same as I do with these greeting cards.

Having a disability though, I have a passion to show others facing similar challenges to have the opportunity of sending these cards. Sandy Morgan, a close friend and our sponsor, was the lady that introduced the cards. It took some time for Sandy to convince me I should try it. I have been told I can be a little stubborn! Now almost three years later, you cannot take those cards away from me! Sandy has me “Hooked” for life. Thanks again, Sandy, for everything you do.

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