March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and March 25 is an entire day devoted to awareness of this common cause of disability. Created in 2006, the day and the month came from a need to recognize the lack of progress in cerebral palsy research.
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor condition that causes lifelong disabilities. March is set aside as a time to recognize this and to raise awareness about all aspects of cerebral palsy. Here are several things you can do to support the cause.
1. Learn More About Cerebral Palsy
If you don’t live with CP or have a close family member or friend with CP, chances are you don’t know much about it. There are a lot of misconceptions and a general lack of awareness about cerebral palsy. Here are some important facts to know:
- Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect how a person moves and balances.
- CP can also cause or contribute to many associated conditions, like vision or hearing impairment or epilepsy.
- There are different types of CP, but spastic is most common and causes stiff muscles that are difficult to control.
- Cerebral palsy is usually caused by brain damage that occurs during pregnancy or labor and delivery.
- CP doesn’t get worse over time, but it cannot be cured either.
- Most people with CP live full, active lives with treatment, mobility aids, and other interventions.
2. Spread the Word by Wearing Green
Take your knowledge of CP a step further by educating others. Share what you know and engage other people by wearing and displaying the official color of cerebral palsy awareness: green. You can buy t-shirts and bracelets to display CP awareness. You can also find graphics and information to post to social media to help your friends learn more about it.
3. Support Local CP Events
Check your local area for any events going on for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Day. Attend the events and invite your friends. Your region’s United Cerebral Palsy affiliate is a good source of information about events. Going to these events helps boost awareness and gives you a chance to meet and interact with people living with CP.
4. Make a Donation to a Reputable CP Organization
Awareness is essential for raising funds for research and support for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. Funding helps researchers investigate the genetic roots of CP and other causes, determine new, more effective treatments, and develop therapies that help people live better with CP.
You can donate to the cause by attending and contributing to fundraising events. You can also find reputable organizations and make direct donations to their research funds. Some good examples include the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, and United Cerebral Palsy.
Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is an important way to support not only the cause but also individuals living with CP. If you know someone with cerebral palsy or have the condition yourself, get involved to help make a difference.
