Sometimes the biggest impact begins with one simple decision.

In this episode, Chad Williams and I are joined by Vito, founder of Strides for Gianluca, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for cerebral palsy while supporting individuals, families, research, and community initiatives through running events and fundraising.

Vito shares how his son's cerebral palsy inspired him to combine his love of running with a mission to give back. From local 5Ks to the New York City Marathon, charity hockey games, and community partnerships, Strides for Gianluca continues to grow while bringing people together around a shared purpose.

We also reflect on meeting at the Spring Lake Five Mile Run, discuss why community matters so much in the cerebral palsy world, and talk about how one person's passion can create opportunities for countless others.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The story behind Strides for Gianluca

• Raising awareness for cerebral palsy through running

• Supporting families, research, and community initiatives

• The Spring Lake Five Mile experience and why it has become such a meaningful event

• Organizing races, charity events, and fundraising throughout the year

• The upcoming Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K and virtual race

• How community partnerships help expand awareness

• Why every conversation about cerebral palsy helps make a difference

Whether you're part of the cerebral palsy community, a runner looking for a meaningful cause, or someone who believes in using your passions to make a positive impact, I think you'll enjoy hearing Vito's story and learning about the incredible work Strides for Gianluca is doing.

Learn More About Strides for Gianluca

Website

https://strides4gianluca.com/

Follow Strides for Gianluca

https://strides4gianluca.com/follow-us-on-social-media/

Charity Hockey Game

https://strides4gianluca.com/charitygame/

Cerebral Palsy Awareness 5K & Virtual Race Registration

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Hamilton/CerebralPalsyAwareness5K

The Doing Hard Things My Way 5K is back for its second year, and we're excited to share what makes this event so special.

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad and Daryl discuss the inspiration behind the annual Doing Hard Things My Way 5K, how it grew from a personal running journey into a community-focused event, and why inclusion remains at the center of everything it represents.

What started as an idea to give back through the running community has evolved into an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together, get active, and support one another. Whether you run, walk, jog, roll, or participate in your own way, this event is designed to meet you where you are.

Chad shares how the race came to life, the impact of last year's event, and the partnership with Cerebral Palsy Strong. Daryl discusses how the event aligns with the Your Level Fitness philosophy of creating accessible opportunities for movement and community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The origin of the Doing Hard Things My Way 5K

• How running became a life-changing part of Chad's journey

• Why inclusive fitness opportunities matter

• The benefits of a virtual race format

• How participants can complete the event from anywhere

• Building community through movement and shared experiences

• The role of social media in connecting participants

• Race week details, team participation, and event goals

The 2026 Doing Hard Things My Way 5K takes place from August 30 through September 5, giving participants an entire week to complete their 5K in whatever way works best for them.

Ready to join us?

Sign up here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-1?raceId=187209

Whether you're participating individually, joining a team, or creating your own, we'd love to have you be part of this year's event.

Use #DoingHardThingsMyWay and #CerebralPalsyStrong during race week to share your experience and connect with the community.

Thank you for listening, and we'll talk to you again next week.

In this special episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry welcome Luke, the first recipient of the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship.

After reviewing hundreds of applications, Luke's story stood out because of his determination, leadership, athletic accomplishments, and commitment to helping others. A recent high school graduate from Alabama, Luke has spent the last four years competing in football and track while developing a passion for adaptive athletics and disability advocacy.

During this conversation, Luke shares how he unexpectedly found his love for sports, what athletics taught him about teamwork and leadership, and how discovering adaptive sports opened new possibilities for his future. He also discusses his decision to pursue a career in physical therapy and his goal of helping other individuals with disabilities discover opportunities in adaptive athletics.

The conversation highlights the power of community, the importance of creating opportunities for others, and what it means to truly do hard things your own way.

In This Episode

• Meet Luke, the first Doing Hard Things My Way scholarship recipient

• How a friend's encouragement led him into athletics

• Lessons learned through football and track and field

• Why teamwork matters beyond sports

• Discovering adaptive athletics and new opportunities

• Attending the University of Alabama's adaptive athletics program

• Pursuing a future career in physical therapy

• Advocating for people with disabilities in sports

• The impact of mentorship, support, and community

• What it means to build a future centered around helping others

About The Scholarship

The Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship was created to recognize adaptive athletes who demonstrate perseverance, determination, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Luke's story embodies those values and serves as an inspiration for athletes and advocates alike.

Connect With Luke:

https://www.instagram.com/luke__ramos_

Connect With Chad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Connect With Daryl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Luke's story. Conversations like these help create awareness, build community, and remind us of what's possible when we choose to keep moving forward.