Newport man with cerebral palsy turns 80

Henry Bartlett, 80, speaks about how he deals with cerebral palsy.

A Newport man is welcoming the new year after celebrating his 80th birthday on Dec. 21.

It is another milestone for Henry Bartlett who may be the oldest person alive with his condition.

Bartlett suffers from cerebral palsy.

He said because of all the therapy and treatment he received as a child, he is able to live an independent life.

"Because I looked and walked and spoke like I do, I had a hard time getting a job," Bartlett said.

Despite the odds, he worked as a bookkeeper in Miami before retiring in Newport.

He was active with the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis Club and served on several boards.

"What really keeps me going is God... and because I love people. I help them all my life," Bartlett said.

Bartlett lives alone in his own home but has a nurse that comes by three times a week.

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Newport man with cerebral palsy turns 80