United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is gearing to join in on the international STEPtember campaign, a four-week event that helps raise money for children with cerebral palsy, while promoting awareness through participants doing daily exercises.
UCP reports that STEPtember will help spread awareness about cerebral palsy and other disabilities, as well as help participants get in shape as they walk, climb, bike, and more, in the events challenges. According to UCP’s interim CEO, Rick Forkosh,
“Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood and causes multiple concerns for these children. People with disabilities — children and adults — have the same desires, hopes, and dreams as the rest of us. The money and awareness raised by STEPtember enables our organization to provide valuable services and resources to these families to enhance the care of their loved one.”
The event runs from September 1 to September 28. Anyone who wants to participate is encouraged to set up in teams of four, if possible. Each team can register on the official STEPtember website.
It’s up to each team how they want to “step” to help raise awareness for cerebral palsy, whether it be dancing, climbing stairs, walking, swimming etc. There is over 70 activities to choose from. The goal for each team is to reach at least 10,000 steps per day throughout the month of September
How Participation Works
Once teams are registered, they can use a fitness tracker, a pedometer, or a smartphone app to track their daily steps. Each day, the steps help to raise funds for children with cerebral palsy when teams recruit sponsors to donate each time a goal is reached. For example, someone can donate $20 for each 30,000 steps taken. Forkosh said that since there are a number of children with cerebral palsy whose parents struggle financially, STEPtember is a great way to help them cover necessary medical expenses.
“Because of the level of care individuals with disabilities often need, some families experience severe financial hardship. STEPtember enables UCP to assist these families and directly benefits those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. With the help of everyone who participates in this STEPtember, we can create a movement that inspires and transforms lives.”
Where Does the Money Go?
All funds raised through the event will go to the team’s local organizations (UCP currently has 33 affiliates joining in) to provide therapy sessions, medical help, equipment, and other needed items to help children with cerebral palsy. Premier Level Sponsors and National Sponsors include Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals and Merz Pharma Group.
Is Registration Free?
UCP indicates that there are two options for registration. A team can register for free for each member of the team if they can commit to a minimum goal of raising $100. If you’d rather not commit to a certain amount to be raised, you can go with the $30 registration option (per team member), which comes with no fundraising commitment and a free pedometer to track your steps.
Check out the video below for more information, and click here to register. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance.
