March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this common condition and support the many diverse people living and thriving with it. Whether you have CP, know someone who does, or just want to learn more, this is a great time to support cerebral palsy awareness.
Why Awareness Matters for CP
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition or group of conditions that affect muscles and movement. It occurs when the developing brain is damaged or malformed, often during fetal development, but sometimes during delivery or shortly after birth.
Children born with or who acquire cerebral palsy may experience a wide range of symptom types and severity. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic, which causes stiff muscles that are difficult to control. Some people with CP have severe disabilities and can never live independently. Others are only mildly affected. All will live with CP through adulthood, as there is no cure.
Awareness is important because it helps prioritize funding for research, advocacy, and support services. Cerebral palsy researchers hope to find better treatments, earlier methods for diagnosing CP, and effective ways to minimize symptoms from an early age. Advocacy and support help bring services to the children and adults living with CP who need them.
How to Celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
Awareness is important year-round, but March is the official time to talk about cerebral palsy. Green is the color for cerebral palsy awareness, so get out your green clothes and share what you know about CP with everyone who asks. Here are some other things you can do to support the cause:
- Share on Your Socials. Social media is a powerful way to spread the word about causes important to you. Follow cerebral palsy groups, share official posts, infographics, or your own experiences. Share pictures and stories about how you’re getting involved and use the hashtag #GoGreen4CP.
- Participate in Local Events. Find local CP awareness or fundraising events to attend. Many groups host local walks or fun runs, fundraising parties or fairs, and other events that help bring awareness to CP and support people in the community with cerebral palsy. If you can’t find an event to attend, consider joining an online fundraiser or hosting your own event.
- Volunteer in Your Community. Community groups that support people with disabilities or special needs often need volunteers. They do office work, answer phones, organize events, and work directly with people at community or recreation centers.
- Make a Donation. Awareness helps raise important funds, so be a part of it. Make a donation to a local group that supports community members with disabilities. Or, contribute to a national group that advocates for people with cerebral palsy or supports research. Some good examples include the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.
Go green this month to show your support for people living with cerebral palsy. When more people understand this condition more doors open for those who can benefit from funding, research, and support.
