The COVID-19 pandemic has presented some unexpected challenges for me, starting with my hearing impairment from cerebral palsy (CP). I've always worn hearing aids, but I've also relied on reading lips. Now that everyone is wearing masks, I can't do that anymore. These days when I leave the house, my husband, Spencer, or one of our teenage sons comes with me to help me communicate with others.

Fortunately, I'm good at adapting. Although I was born with CP and have worn hearing aids since I was 4, I didn't always know there was anything wrong with me. It wasn't until I begged my parents to let me play basketball in middle school that they sat me down and explained my condition to me. They always pushed me to do my best and never give up, but they thought basketball might be too much for me.

Even with my hearing aids, I couldn't hear well. That and not being able to take notes quickly or walk as fast as everyone else really kept me from excelling in school. And because I had a teacher's aide, I felt different from my schoolmates. I eventually became friends with a small group of girls, one of whom is still a dear friend today.

In high school, I learned to ski at Mount Hood, which is near where I grew up in Forest Grove, OR. My first run was scary, but I managed to ski down the hill by myself after that first day. I took tons of lessons and kept building up my skills and confidence to the point where I had the courage to start a ski team at my high school. We raced against other schools for several years and did well, considering we were a new team. I was having so much fun that I earned a spot as a ski instructor at Mount Hood. During my senior year of high school, I taught young kids on the bunny slope every weekend.

I skied less in college because I had to work so hard in my classes. I earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling. It took me seven years to finish. I met Spencer in graduate school. We married shortly after graduation and started a family within two years. Heber, 16, and Zachary, 13, are the joys of my life.

When I turned 35, my body started feeling tired. After grocery shopping, I couldn't put the food away when I got home. I volunteered at my boys' school but had to stop because I was too tired. Nowadays, I start cooking dinner in the morning and divide it into steps so I can take breaks. About four years ago, I got a scooter so I can go farther without getting tired.

CP prevents me from doing certain things—like skiing at Mount Hood—but I'm grateful for what I have and what I can still do. I'm lucky to have a husband and children who help me every day without complaint. They help me stick to my motto: Stay positive and never give up. —As told to Paul Wynn