The "EM" in GetEM Movin

My name is Emme Partyka. As you read this, you’ll get to know more about me—my story, my experiences, and our nonprofit organization, GetEM Movin. I’m currently entering my junior year at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where I’m majoring in Marketing.  My full name is Emerson, which my parents chose because it means hardworking and able. My middle name is Hope, a name given to me after I was born 10½ weeks prematurely, weighing only 2 pounds. To put that in perspective, our summer break is just over 10½ weeks—it’s like being born on the last day of school when I was supposed to arrive on the first day. My dad always jokes that I can never be late for anything.

Every day, we encounter people from all walks of life. For me, that means navigating challenges that are often invisible to others. Since then, I’ve had six surgeries, countless hours of physical therapy, and more doctor appointments than I can count. While that may sound overwhelming, it’s shaped who I am and taught me to be deeply grateful—for my life, my mobility, and the little things we so often take for granted. The medical term for what I have is Cerebral Palsy—a group of disorders that affect movement, balance, and posture. But CP exists on a spectrum. In my case, it primarily affects my legs. Still, I don’t let that stop me from doing what I love or from defining who I am.

Since I was little, my parents have taught me something they call the “50/50 Rule”—that 50% of what happens in life is out of your control, but the other 50% is how you respond. That mindset has shaped how I approach everything. We choose to focus on what I can do—not what I can’t. Looking for the positive, even in a tough situation, is a choice. And while not every decision works out the way you hope, every experience—good or bad—helps you grow.

With that in mind, we created GetEM Movin, a nonprofit dedicated to collecting and distributing mobility equipment—such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, and canes—to children and families who need them but can’t afford them. I’ve been fortunate to have access to these tools throughout my life, and I want to pay that forward. The organization is still growing, and we are excited to see it continue to expand.  In fact, my sister, Tess, is also very involved in helping to improve communities and making a positive impact, thereby enhancing the lives of others. 

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. However, I would like to leave you with a challenge: get involved. Be the change in your community. Start something. Speak up. Don’t let ignorance silence you—because when you stay quiet, ignorance gets louder. Be an ally. When you see someone in a wheelchair or someone who looks or moves differently, don’t look away. Say hello. Treat them like anyone else—because we are like everyone else.

A disability doesn’t define someone’s personality, intelligence, or worth. It’s just one part of a person’s story. I work hard every day to be seen not as “the girl in the wheelchair,” but simply as Emme—someone striving to make a difference. I hope to be a role model not because of how I look, but because of how I lead, how I connect, and how I care.   

Here's a video that was created a few years ago - I hope you enjoy: https://youtu.be/G_OrK8m4HLw