Mother regains ability to carry son with cerebral palsy by committing to fitness

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A local mother knows what it means to make major lifestyle changes and commit to the process.

About three years ago, Nassau county mom Tricia Roth made working out part of her routine and did so at the start of 2017.

But her motivation for doing so wasn’t for herself. She started working out regularly so she’d have the strength to carry her growing son, Bronson, who lives with cerebral palsy. That’s when she joined the CrossFit gym in Fernandina.

“To be able to do something by yourself, to be able to care for your child by yourself, like, to know that you can do that, there’s so much freedom in that,” said Roth.

Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder impacting movement, muscle tone or posture.

As Bronson, 12, grew bigger, he became too heavy for Tricia to lift by herself.

“I was starting to have issues with my back because he’s heavy, you’re bending over,” said Roth.

She started working out religiously and regained the ability to carry her son. She tells us parents of children of children in wheelchairs don’t take being able to carry their children for granted.

“You lose that contact with them, so if you can’t lift them, and you’re having the to rely on other people to help you, it’s almost like you’re losing that hug,” she said.

Now, going to the gym is a family affair.

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