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Episode 98 – Avery Roberts & Kelly Berger | CMD Advocacy Warriors


Published: Thursday July 17, 2025
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode ninety eight featuring avery roberts and kelly berger listen now

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Beyond Diagnoses: Congenital Muscular Dystrophy from Capitol Hill to Center Stage

In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia Anderson interviews Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger, two formidable advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). They discuss their journeys in advocacy, the challenges of living with CMD, and the significant role Medicaid plays in their lives. They also touch on the importance of disability representation in media and the arts, with Avery sharing her experience as the first wheelchair user to perform at Radio City Music Hall. Kelly discusses her passion for travel and mentorship within the disability community. The episode concludes with insights into the Cure CMD organization and the upcoming conference in Philadelphia, focusing on education, community, and research updates for congenital muscle diseases.

A Quote from Avery

In terms of people who are outside of the disability community, meet me outside of the box.

~ Avery Roberts

A Quote from Kelly

Don’t stop fighting. It’s gonna be hard. It’s not easy. Don’t let anybody diminish your needs. Just don’t stop fighting.

~ Kelly Berger

Deep Dives from This Episode

✨ The Heart of Advocacy

🧬 Understanding CMD

🌍 Empowering Through Artistry and Travel

🌱 Mentorship and Community Building

🎉 Anticipation for the SIPAIM Conference

🛣️ Finding Your Own Path

🗣️ Raise Your Voice for Real Change

📦 Meet Me Outside of the Box: A Call for Inclusivity

🙏 The Strength in Asking for Help

⚡ Empowerment Defined: Your Disability, Your Rules

🎯 When Advocacy Meets Artistry: Unstoppable Actions

Episode Flow & Milestones

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:47 Meet Our Inspiring Guests: Avery Roberts and Kelly Berger

02:15 The Heart of Advocacy: Personal Journeys

05:24 Understanding Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD)

08:17 Challenges and Triumphs in Advocacy

10:08 Breaking Barriers in Performance and Art

14:33 Travel and Adventure: Empowerment Through Exploration

17:20 Mentorship and Community Support

18:11 Cure CMD and Upcoming Conference

22:02 Final Thoughts and Motivation

Connect with Kelly Berger

kelly berger sitting in her wheelchair with her hands on her lap wearing a black hat and red blouse with a patterned black and white skirt

Visit Kelly’s: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connect with Avery Roberts

avery roberts sitting in her wheelchair crossing her arms she is wearing blue jeans and a black tee

Visit Avery’s: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connect with Alycia:
Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn

Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Buy Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series

Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.