NORMAL, Ill. - Some might say that Redbird softball rising sophomore Chloe Jefferson doesn't know a stranger. Her bubbly and outgoing personality, and the love she has for everyone around her, helps people gravitate towards Chloe on a regular basis.
An avid lover of sports, all things Disney and a music guru, Steven is one of the most unique people Chloe has ever met.
Chloe met Steven on the first day of her junior year at Herscher High School; Steven was an incoming freshman. The first day of school can be intimidating, especially for freshmen. "My friends and I saw Steven sitting alone at lunch, so we all decided to go sit with him," Chloe shared. "Little did I know that this would be one of the best decisions I have ever made."
After talking with Steven, Chloe and her friends learned that he had cerebral palsy, which is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is the most common motor disability in childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Chloe is the type of person who cares for and supports everyone she encounters," commented teammate Kaili Chval. "Her relationship and friendship with Steven is like no other. The way Chloe supports Steven and uses her voice to create awareness for cerebral palsy is very admirable."
The two immediately connected and formed an unbreakable bond. "As we got to know Steven more, we started to do activities outside of school," Chloe continued. "We've gone to several school dances together, such as homecoming, winter ball and prom, as well as going out to eat at some of his favorite restaurants." Steven struggles to do basic tasks, such as writing, walking and eating on his own, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying the things he likes and what connects him even closer to Chloe, which is sports.
"Steven loves sports and would do anything to step on a field and play ball," Chloe expressed. "This is something that I am fortunate enough to be able to do. Every time I step on the field, I think of Steven and how he would do anything to play the sport he loves. He motivates me to constantly give my all in everything that I do. He's my biggest inspiration and has given me a greater appreciation for softball. Steven shows me every day that no matter how hard times can be, it could always be worse and to just keep pushing."
The life lessons that Chloe has learned from Steven go far beyond sports. His impact on her has helped her become more appreciative of the little things and has guided her future career plans. "Every day I wake up and see how blessed I am to be doing the things I love and for the life I live," Chloe shared. "I have learned to appreciate the little things in life that are so easily looked over. The day I met Steven; I knew I wanted to steer my career path towards helping others. Because of Steven, I hope to become an occupational therapist in order to help kids like him."
In a time of uncertainty, it is friendships like this one that helps Chloe stay positive. "In troubling times like we are experiencing today, Steven is a good example of how no matter how hard times are, you will always get through them. Life isn't always easy, but with the support of friends, it makes it that much easier.
"Whenever you see someone who seems like they could use a friend, reach out to them and be there for them, because you never know what could happen from that moment on. Everyone deserves a friend like Steven."
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