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World Cerebral Palsy Day is an opportunity to bring awareness to this condition and raise money for new treatments. Every year, participants show their support by participating in fundraising events, sharing their stories, and wearing green. See how you can get involved this year.
What Is World Cerebral Palsy Day?
World Cerebral Palsy Day was founded on October 6th, 2012, and is now an annual event that celebrates those who have cerebral palsy (CP).
“Through World CP Day, we have the opportunity to raise awareness of CP in our communities and assist others to look beyond the disability.”
— The World Cerebral Palsy Day official site
You can get involved with World Cerebral Palsy Day regardless of where you are located — which is especially true in 2020 since the coronavirus has forced many in-person events to go digital this year. More than ever, it is important to show your support so that this annual celebration can continue to grow.
Here are a few things that you can do to get involved:
Make Your Mark
The theme of World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020 is “Make Your Mark.” Through this campaign, those with cerebral palsy are encouraged to share how they’ve overcome challenges in their lives.
Sharing your story can bring encouragement and hope to others. It may be as simple as letting someone else know that they aren’t alone. You might also help someone find new ways to access care and support.
You don’t have to be at an in-person event to share your story. You can share online on a social media platform. Using the hashtags #WorldCPDay or #CPMakeYourMark can help you to reach others who are also celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020.
The World Cerebral Palsy Day website also accepts stories. Once you submit your story, your name will be listed on a digital map along with others who shared. You can see the map here.
Wear Cerebral Palsy Green
Green is the official color of World Cerebral Palsy Day. Green was chosen as the color because it represents good luck.
You can wear all types of green apparel, such as:
- Shirts
- Pants
- Wristbands
- Socks
- Shoes
You can celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020 by sharing images of yourself or your loved ones wearing green on social media. You may even want to include a hashtag like #WorldCPDay.
Join a Cerebral Palsy Awareness Event
Joining a cerebral palsy awareness event has a wide range of benefits. These events bring awareness to the condition, help patients and families connect with others affected in similar ways, and raise money for research.
A lot of events involving large groups may be taking place online this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. That said, you can still participate virtually and have a great time.
One such example of an online event is the 2020 Life Without Limits Virtual 5K. This fundraiser is being held by the Long Island branch of United Cerebral Palsy, a nonprofit advocacy group.
Online raffles are also becoming common. For example, a virtual raffle to benefit the Cleveland branch of United Cerebral Palsy includes 2021 concert tickets and much more.
Make a Donation to a Cerebral Palsy Organization
Donating to an organization can help fund research for a cure and expand cerebral palsy treatment options. Donations can also go to improving awareness of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy groups that accept donations include:
- United Cerebral Palsy: This national organization helps families with cerebral palsy achieve an improved quality of life through a variety of services.
- CP Sport: This group improves access to sports for those with cerebral palsy in the United Kingdom.
- We Are CP: We Are CP provides a wide range of resources, from childcare to exercise programs to families with cerebral palsy in Wisconsin.
You can also participate in a cerebral palsy fundraising event such as a 5K in lieu of making a donation.
Goals of World Cerebral Palsy Day
There is not one overarching goal of World Cerebral Palsy Day — the event wraps several ideas into one.
Primarily, organizations are trying to:
- Generate Awareness: This can be done through social media and word of mouth. Don’t forget to wear green!
- Cause Change: Change can come through the reduction of stigma and through the development of new treatments.
- Celebrate: It’s important to celebrate the achievements of those with cerebral palsy. There’s no reason this condition should prevent people from living fulfilling lives.
By participating in World Cerebral Palsy Day, you can help achieve these goals.
Do Your Part on World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020
You can participate in World Cerebral Palsy Day this year to help raise awareness and improve treatments for those affected. For more ideas on how to participate, visit the official site of World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020.
You can also contact our team to learn more about cerebral palsy and its possible causes — including injuries that doctors could have often prevented. Call (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to learn more.
