At W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, we're exceptionally proud to work with and help support children who are impacted by cerebral palsy (CP). Every year on October 6th, World Cerebral Palsy Day, we make a special point to celebrate all of those who battle CP. This is separate from National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, which falls on March 25th. We celebrate both, because to us, those with CP should be celebrated every day!
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects movement, muscle, and posture. It's the most common motor disability in children, affecting 17 million people around the globe. The disorder is most often caused by brain damage that occurs during, before, or just after birth, and it results in poor body movements, coordination, muscle tone, reflexes, balance, posture, and control.
What is World Cerebral Palsy Day?
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a day to celebrate, build awareness, and create change for those with CP.
The organizers of World Cerebral Palsy Day announced that the theme for 2020 is "Make Your Mark." While so many of us have faced challenges and have had to make major adaptations in order to cope with COVID-19, those with CP have to adapt to changes and barriers almost every single day.
"Through World CP Day we can build awareness of what CP is, how it’s caused, and how early detection and intervention is the key to improving outcomes for people with CP.
As World CP Day continues to grow in popularity, we will continue to show the world all the incredible things that people with cerebral palsy achieve when barriers are removed."
On October 6th, those battling CP and their families are encouraged to share their achievements, solutions they've discovered, and changes that they're advocating for. They are also encouraged to tag @WorldCPDay and use #WorldCPDay and #CPMakeYourMark.
WorldCPDay.org has provided a few ideas for Make Your Mark inspiration. You can share stories about:
- Finding creative solutions to help you get dressed or groom independently
- Finding a new way to use cooking utensils or appliances
- Lobbying the government for policy change
- Being creative and sharing stories through art, music or performances
- Petitioning for wheelchair access at a school, workplace, or public area
- Finding ways to complete your studies or reach your personal goals
- Creating a sports team or social network for people with disabilities
- Finding innovative ways to get out and about in the community
Supporting Children With CP in Ohio
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CP, but there are treatments that can help. These treatments include physical therapy, medications, surgery, and even service dogs! As part of our mission at W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, we train mobility assistance service dogs to help provide children who have CP with physical support and confidence.
TuYen is one of many children battling CP. In February of 2017, TuYen was paired with her service dog from W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, Noah. Hear about Noah's impact on TuYen, in her own words, by watching the video below.
Part of our mission is to help children with special needs experience the world as joyfully as possible. Children with CP face daily challenges that many of us cannot even begin to fathom. We're proud to help these children by pairing them with service dogs that can help provide them with stability, mobility, and greater access to everyday life. One of the most impactful ways that you can help us continue helping children with cerebral palsy throughout Ohio is to make a donation to our cause. No matter how big or how small, it's thanks to these gifts that we can change the lives of children with CP.