Long Island teen with cerebral palsy raising awareness about the disease

MASSAPEQUA (WABC) -- There was a touching show of support Tuesday for a Long Island teen.

The 8th grader has been battling cerebral palsy, defying the odds ever since she was born, and she gave her school a lesson they won't forget.

There are nearly 1,200 kids at the Berner Middle School in Massapequa, including some who sing at morning announcements, with lyrics like "and we got 3 more days 'till Friday."

Now that's a tough act for anyone to follow, but Amanda Dunn said "Just remember, take your time and be loud like you're yelling at your sister."

It's OK because 14-year-old Amanda has a voice that can speak volumes.

"I was born with CP but I am just like any other teenager," she said.

And Tuesday Amanda showed her whole school what she means. She was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy. Due to a genetic mutation, there are only about 150 cases like hers in the world.

"We were told at 7 months she would never walk or talk, that she had mental issues and there was no hope," said Amanda's mother Grace.

And yet Amanda has been defying the odds ever since. Up, out of her wheelchair at age 7 and speaking on behalf of so many others who can't.

"I want to help raise awareness so that kids with CP do not get teased," she said.

Tuesday's morning announcements were Amanda style and most of the students at school wore some form of green to lend their support.

Amanda wears green every year to promote awareness of CP. But this year is the first time her campaign is schoolwide and on St. Patrick's Day.

In home room, all the students watched a video about her life. There was also a fundraiser. But mostly it's about dispelling misconceptions about cerebral palsy.

"Like...it's different for everyone who has it," said Amanda.

After all, she climbs to her third floor locker and she hardly if ever slows down.

"I feel like she's able to accomplish so much," said a classmate.

"You know she knows what's expected and she's happy to take on the challenge every single day," her school principal said.

Reminding us all that no challenge is too great.