Melissa Parker, who lives with cerebral palsy, shared how she started limiting her water intake at age 12 after feeling like a burden when needing accessible bathrooms. She recalled a family trip to Spain where a relative suggested she "hold it," reinforcing her belief that needing the bathroom made her inconvenient. As a child, she avoided drinking water to reduce bathroom visits, eventually limiting herself to about a single cup a day by the time she reached university. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement and posture, often requiring individuals to use assistive devices like wheelchairs. Parker was born with a brain injury that led to her diagnosis. She said she often felt pressured to be "brave" and suppress her needs, which contributed to her decision to restrict fluids. This habit worsened over time, leading to severe dehydration symptoms such as intense headaches, muscle spasms, and extreme fatigue. By age 32, her symptoms had worsened dramatically, including severe nausea and an inability to eat or function normally. After discovering a Reddit post about electrolytes, Parker began taking supplements to help manage her nausea, which allowed her to gradually increase her water intake. Over weeks, her symptoms improved, including reduced spasticity and fewer headaches. She now acknowledges that her decision to restrict water for over 20 years was harmful and that dehydration can worsen cerebral palsy symptoms, potentially leading to serious health risks like seizures or kidney failure. Parker emphasizes that people with disabilities should not be expected to change their behavior to make others feel more comfortable. She argues that basic human rights, such as access to water and bathrooms, should not be compromised. Her experience highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where individuals with disabilities can meet their basic needs without feeling like a burden.