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In West Leechburg, Pennsylvania, a run, walk, and dance event raised over $30,000 for a 4-year-old with cerebral palsy. Fundraisers like this are a godsend for families affected by cerebral palsy, as the money raised can help them cover medical bills and other expenses. They also help fund research to find a cure. Other types of cerebral palsy fundraisers include golf tournaments, car washes, and more.
Importance of Fundraising for Cerebral Palsy
When someone learns that their child has cerebral palsy, their world changes. The condition has no cure, and those with the condition may need lifelong care.
Until a cure is found, fundraising events continue to assist the cerebral palsy community in a few different ways.
Cerebral palsy fundraisers can help:
- Families affected by cerebral palsy: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it costs 10 times more to raise a child with cerebral palsy than one without the condition. Fundraisers help families cover these extra expenses, which may include costs of medical treatment and therapy.
- Scientists, doctors, and researchers: To find a cure for cerebral palsy, medical and scientific experts need research funding. This funding allows them to study new cerebral palsy treatments and test them on patients through clinical trials.
- Spread awareness: According to the CDC, cerebral palsy affects 1 out of every 323 children born in the U.S. Yet, some may not even know about this condition unless they or someone they love has been diagnosed. Fundraising events allow people from the community to get involved.
Cerebral palsy fundraising activities can make a real difference in the lives of children, adults, and families affected.
Types of Cerebral Palsy Fundraising Events
Cerebral palsy fundraising events should allow as many people to participate as possible. This way, more funds can be raised and more people can spread awareness about the condition.
Cerebral Palsy Fundraising Walks
Fundraising walks allow those with cerebral palsy to safely participate alongside their peers and those without the condition.
According to data from the CDC, 42% of children born with cerebral palsy either need crutches to walk or cannot walk at all. Others can walk independently with only a little difficulty.
If a person with cerebral palsy cannot walk or does not wish to participate, a family member or loved one can walk on their behalf.
Fundraising walks can also take different forms, including 5k marathons and even “rolls” for those in wheelchairs.
In 2019, the Make LemonAide Foundation for Cerebral Palsy raised over $26,000 through its 6th annual Walk/Run/Roll for a Cure.
Cerebral Palsy Golf Tournament
Sometimes golf clubs will team up with cerebral palsy organizations to host golf fundraiser tournaments. A 2019 golf tournament fundraiser held in Oregon brought in nearly $9,700. The money went to a young boy with cerebral palsy who needs a feeding tube to eat and suffers from seizures.
Children with cerebral palsy may be able to participate in golf tournaments if they can use their arms and upper body.
Cerebral Palsy Dance-a-Thon
Dancing may not be the first thing that comes to mind if your child has cerebral palsy. However, dance-a-thons (dance fundraisers) allow children with cerebral palsy to express themselves and dance alongside those without disabilities.
Dancing can improve many physical symptoms of cerebral palsy, including balance and walking ability, according to a 2019 study published in the medical journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
Dance-a-thons encourage a love of movement and may even inspire kids to become professional dancers.
For example, a young girl enrolled in dance classes after a 2016 dance fundraiser raised over $45,000 on her behalf. The money allowed her to undergo surgery to improve her movement and muscle coordination.
Other Types of Cerebral Palsy Fundraising Ideas
Almost any activity that brings the community together and helps those affected by cerebral palsy can serve as a fundraiser for the condition.
Examples of other cerebral palsy fundraisers include:
- Car washes: With this type of fundraiser, everyone wins. Participants get their car washed, knowing that they supported a good cause. Children with cerebral palsy can participate with help from parents and friends.
- Combination events: Sometimes one big event can host multiple smaller activities. For example, some dance events may also offer dinner beforehand. Golf tournaments can combine multiple events, including putting contests and even basket raffles, to raise more funds.
- School fundraisers: By getting your child’s school involved, you can reach a whole community of people almost overnight. Schools can host fundraising activities such as pajama days, runs or walks, or bake sales.
Get Involved with a Cerebral Palsy Fundraiser
To get involved with a cerebral palsy fundraiser, start by looking for existing events in your area. Reach out to the coordinators and see if they need any volunteers — chances are the help will be appreciated.
If there are no fundraisers in your area, start your own. If you think of an interesting or unique activity, why not pursue it? You can get more advice about starting a fundraiser by reaching out to a cerebral palsy organization or local event planners.
Getting involved with cerebral palsy fundraising can make a world of difference. No matter if the funds go to one family, a hospital, or a non-profit organization, cerebral palsy fundraising allows you to help find a cure for this condition.
