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Cathy was born on January 20, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At three she was diagnosed as having ataxic cerebral palsy, for which she had none of the symptoms. She began mimicking music and singers, often with striking accuracy, as early as five years of age, and shortly afterwards worked out tunes on the piano and then the organ. In adolescence she took up the guitar, which she has been playing ever since. She became a member of a song-and-dance group called the "Celebration" for eight years, performing for civic and church groups and convalescent homes and sent on a singing tour to Washington, where they sang on the steps of the Capitol. They also appeared on TV. Cathy has sung in solo at the Special Arts Festival, at the CROP annual awards dinner, and appeared in the Rose Bowl Parade as Special Olympics Princess.
Several years ago Cathy began composing and performing her own songs. She became a founding member of the "Williams 5," which performed her first major song - A Better World - at the 1994 WSA convention in San Diego. Along with other members of The Williams Five and some parents, Cathy was interviewed in December, 1994 by Noah Adams of National Public Radio's "All Things considered." Cathy attended the Williams Syndrome Music and Arts Camp at Belvoir Terrace during it's first year. She is presently employed as a state certified Teacher's Aide and does music with pre-school children.
Look at what
handicapped people can do.
We can sing, we can dance,
we can even write stories too;
And we can do the same things
that all you people can do.
Can't you see that it's true?
Look at what handicapped people can do.
We can laugh, we can cry,
sometimes we get angry too;
And sometimes we are happy,
and sometimes we get mad,
Thinking about a world that shouldn't be bad.
And this is what handicapped people can do.
If you would like the music and guitar chords, please write to Ms. Cathy Krieger, 407 Pinecrest, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, and enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope.