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Each year, around 13,000 children are born with cerebral palsy (CP). Worldwide, an estimated 18 million people have CP.
World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 is an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness and support the millions of children and families affected by CP. Funds raised for research help drive the development of life-changing cerebral palsy treatments.
Learn the history and purpose of World Cerebral Palsy Day, discover creative ways to get involved, and find tips to keep the conversation going long after the day ends.
Why Is World Cerebral Palsy Day Important?
Founded on October 6, 2012, World Cerebral Palsy Day was created to raise awareness of the condition, the causes of CP, and how it affects individuals and their communities.
From those living with cerebral palsy to their caregivers and the scientists working on new treatments, everyone in the cerebral palsy community can benefit from collective support.
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a day of action — whether it’s running a 5K, visiting hospitals, sharing hashtags online, or wearing green (the cerebral palsy awareness color) to show support. Every effort helps.
Raising awareness around CP is critical because it drives change. It can lead to someone gaining a better understanding of the condition or inspiring a company to donate to CP-related causes. Spreading awareness makes a meaningful impact.
Some goals of World Cerebral Palsy Day include:
- Encourage Support: This can be done through social media and word of mouth. Posting selfies in green is one way to show support.
- Inspire change: Progress can be made by reducing stigma, advancing treatments, and improving accessibility. Donations fund better care and more research.
- Recognize achievements: Celebrate achievements. CP doesn’t define a person’s potential. People with CP excel as actors, athletes, and professionals.
World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024 is a day when your efforts can lead to real, tangible results.
“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
Promoting Inclusion on World CP Day
World CP Day 2024 highlights that people with disabilities are valued members of every community — our neighbors, coworkers, and family.
By working together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
You can make a difference by donating time or money, attending an event, or simply sharing a photo in green — every effort on World CP Day is appreciated.
Here are some ways you can make a difference and promote inclusion on October 6.
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. It also supports efforts to raise awareness and improve understanding of the condition.
Cerebral palsy groups that accept donations include:
- Cerebral Palsy Research Network: Focused on research, education, and community efforts that improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy
- March of Dimes: Dedicated to helping mothers of children with special needs, they can connect you with a supportive community
- United Cerebral Palsy: This national organization helps families with cerebral palsy achieve an improved quality of life through a variety of services
- We Are CP: Provides a wide range of resources, from childcare to exercise programs to families affected by cerebral palsy in Wisconsin
You can also participate in a cerebral palsy fundraising event like a 5K instead of making a donation.
Join a Cerebral Palsy Awareness Event
Cerebral palsy affects people across all backgrounds, making CP-related events common in cities across the country.
Events may be held at schools, colleges, hospitals, parks, and other community spaces.
Examples of events that raise money for cerebral palsy in 2024 include:
- Cerebral Palsy Family Run/Walk 5K: Taking place in North Babylon, NY on October 19, this casual race raises money and awareness for cerebral palsy warriors.
- Lake Scary 5K: Held in Lake Mary Florida this October, wear your best green active attire and lace up your shoes for this event that raises awareness of CP.
Attending or supporting these events is a meaningful way to show solidarity and make a real difference for those affected by cerebral palsy.
Additionally, support groups and recreational events can be a great way to connect with the CP community.
Wear Cerebral Palsy Green
Green is the official cerebral palsy awareness color, and wearing green on October 6 is a simple way to show your support. Sharing photos online can add to the fun while helping you reach large numbers of people.
By wearing your favorite green shirts, hats, bracelets, and other accessories, you can turn World CP Day into a fun event. Consider making your own CP day clothes and accessories that reflect your own personal style.
Whether you prefer Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or another platform, posting your favorite selfies and photos can make a bigger impact than you might realize in raising awareness.
When you do, don’t forget to include one or more of these hashtags:
- #worldcpday
- #worldcerebralpalsyday
- #millionsofreasons
- #uniquelyCP
Combining your posts with volunteer work or spending time with people in the cerebral palsy community can add meaning and depth to your efforts.
“To young people with cerebral palsy, I would say this: You do belong, even though it can be difficult, and it’s okay to feel your emotions.”
– Amie Kroessig, Advocate with Cerebral Palsy
Beyond World CP Day 2024: Continuing the Conversation
Supporting the cerebral palsy community doesn’t end after World CP Day. A powerful way to continue showing support throughout the year is by recognizing the achievements of people with CP and those making a difference in their communities.
Below are some ways to stay engaged in the CP community.
Podcasts Hosted by or Featuring People with CP
Films and Documentaries Highlighting Cerebral Palsy
- Faith’s World
- Hemisphere’s: A Documentary on Cerebral Palsy
- Tell Them You Love Me (Netflix Documentary)
Celebrities With CP to Follow on Social Media
- Geri Jewel: Actress who starred in Deadwood and The Facts of Life
- Jack Carroll: Actor, comedian, and author
- Maysoon Zayid: Helped create the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival
- RJ Mitte: Actor best known from Breaking Bad
Learning how CP is portrayed and discussed in popular culture is a great way to stay engaged in the cause.
Making a Difference on World Cerebral Palsy Day 2024
World Cerebral Palsy Day is an excellent opportunity to support those who live with CP. Whether you lace up and run a 5K or simply wear green, your efforts are appreciated.
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.
