Neumann alumna Lauren Shipman chronicles her years of living with cerebral palsy in her new book, Wheeling Through a Life of Possibilities: My First Thirty Years of Overcoming Obstacles with the Determination and the Courage to Succeed.

Shipman graduated from Neumann in 2015, rising from her wheelchair and walking across the stage to receive her degree in liberal arts. She is now a KidZone team member at the Haverford Branch of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.

The book traces Shipman’s transformation from an extremely shy and quiet child to a confident young adult. With help from her parents and older siblings to get outside her comfort zone, she worked to discover her true potential, determination, and ability to change.

In 2022, she received the university’s Alumni Volunteer of the Year award for her consistent commitment to help her alma mater in a variety of ways.

After graduating, she often returned to Neumann as a motivational speaker, sharing with students the stories of her challenges and triumphs and explaining how cerebral palsy never prevented her from living life to the fullest. Even during the pandemic, Shipman visited campus either to speak in person or broadcast over an online platform. She also served as a patient actor for Neumann’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the College of Nursing at Villanova University.

“Neumann provided me with the opportunity to be outgoing while discovering my true self,” she said. “I continue to develop this newfound confidence in the professional world, and I have Neumann to thank for it.”

Shipman continues to pursue her dream job in the childcare sector where she hopes to inspire young children to learn, grow, and explore the world around them. She lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with her parents.

Published on May 19, 2025, by Gatekeeper Press, Wheeling Through a Life of Possibilities is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover or Kindle format.

The university is planning an event to showcase its alumni authors in the fall. Neumann alumni who have published books are encouraged to participate by contacting Chuck Sack at sackc@neumann.edu.