Today we recognize and celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day!
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disability that impacts more than 17 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common and least understood disabilities.
According to Mayo Clinic, cerebral palsy is most often caused by damage to the brain before birth or during delivery.
CP affects a person’s body movement, muscle tone or posture.
The ultimate impact may result in something as simple as walking with a limp or not walking at all, to speech and mobility challenges, including the need to use a wheelchair. No two cases are exactly the same.
While various therapies may help with greater mobility gains, there is currently no cure for cerebral palsy.
I am especially honored to recognize this day and those impacted by this diagnosis because my son, Eric, had cerebral palsy. He unfortunately passed away in 2003 at age 12 from complications of his disability.
To learn more about World Cerebral Palsy Day and help create greater awareness and acceptance for those that have it, please visit WorldCPDay.org or Mayo Clinic.org.
Knowledge is power.
Photo courtesy of Jena Hovey/McShane Photography.