Joy
Cerebral palsy, partially blind
Entrepreneur
PHOTOGRAPHER: Robert G. Zuckerman (1955 – 2022)
When you’re young and in school, life can be dictated by “Labels” people give each other, and even themselves. Since 6 months old, when I was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy, one of my labels was “disabled.” For many years, I let that label define my life. I struggled through a lot of health issues, constant therapy, and bullying. But don’t worry, this is a happy story.
As I matured, I thought a lot about spiritual matters like past and future lives, souls and reincarnation. I went through some key events in my life, and I felt like a phoenix rising. Losing my grandmother, Pearl, at age 7 was one of the first of those events. The day of my photoshoot with Robert Zuckerman was the another. I went into my photoshoot feeling uncertain but Robert put me immediately at ease. He even brought a model with him so I could take a turn behind the camera under his guidance.
That day was a new birth as I begin to learn to love myself. Robert and I referred often to the day, and we called it a “lovefest.” We became super close and since he had no children, I became his “Daughts” and he became my “Pops.” I was able to see myself in a new light and this confidence was transformative. He guided me to be a more authentic version of myself. I began going by my middle name, Joy, as I felt it suited me better. I put myself in the dating world, and I met the love of my life, Vince. Pops took our engagement photos from his hospital bed.
Sadly, it turned out to be the last time we saw him. While preparing for our wedding, I found a love for dancing. I modify moves so I can do them and am working on building up a social media presence with our dance instructor who has become a dear friend. Vince and I got married in October 2022. I took the opportunity to change my name legally, and I am now Joy Pearl.
My rebirth feels complete. I know Pops is proud. I am forever grateful for having had Robert G. Zuckerman (Pops) in my life!
