About Christian Lopez
Hi, my name is Christian Lopez and for over a decade, I've been sharing my story, and advocating for disability awareness in the community and on social media. I currently serve on GROUNDSWELL's Board of Directors, participated in the BRIDGES Program for four years, and have written about living and thriving with a disability. I believe my disability doesn't define me; I'm more than meets the eye. I'm determined to continue breaking social norms by speaking at schools and other events, empowering, educating, and inspiring others to do the same. I may do things differently, but that's what makes me who I am – different.
Everyone has a story to tell, and this is mine: the Christian Lopez story. Growing up in the Philippines, I thought I had a “normal” life. I was able to stand and walk at three years old. But my perception of “normal” began to change when I started losing my balance and falling, resulting in scars and stitches at age five. I was later diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. As I got older, my body weakened to the point where I could no longer walk, and I began using a wheelchair. Seeing life from a different perspective, with wheels for feet, subconsciously unlocked my creativity and imagination. But it wasn't until my freshman year of high school, in English class, that I truly found my voice through writing. Writing gave me the freedom to explore my emotions. There were no right or wrong answers; there were only choices: left or right: which hand do you write with?
Even though I found my voice through writing in high school, I disliked public speaking. It wasn't until my senior year that I entered a speech competition, became a finalist, and won! As the winner, I shared my speech at a fundraising gala with 600 people at the City National Grove of Anaheim. I expected to be nervous speaking in front of such a large crowd, but instead, I felt exhilarated! Combining my love of writing with my newfound appreciation for public speaking, I created my disability awareness workshop, “BREAKING NORMS SINCE BIRTH.”
Through this workshop, I educate and empower people in schools, organizations, companies, and cities by sharing my story of living with a disability. My story encompasses more than just sorrows and surgeries; it's also about happiness and overcoming adversity. Join me on this journey to Put the Move in Movement and
Break the Norm!
