Don’t You Forget About CP

Don’t You Forget About CP! In the United States, March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. You’d think that the most common disability in childhood is constantly in the news during our month, but it isn’t. If that were true, I wouldn’t have to write yet another blog post about awareness.

How I’ve Raised Awareness for CP

Raising awareness is important to me. I’ve urged the media to stop describing adults and kids with CP as ‘suffering.’ In 2019, I became the first person ever to get at least one building, landmark etc. in almost ALL 50 states to Go Green for CP on March 25 + October 6 (World CP Day). It was amazing to see all the buildings lit up in green, and I’m so thankful to everyone who participated, but I’m not sure it moved the needle for the future.

Advocacy Starts with YOU

So that’s where YOU come in! Advocacy starts and ends with those of us who have cerebral palsy, our caregivers, our families, friends, etc. We need to make sure that our successes, struggles aren’t forgotten. It’s important to educate people about cerebral palsy. Let’s remind everyone that March isn’t just about St. Patrick’s Day.

Don’t You Let Them (Forget About CP)

It’s frustrating to see other awareness days + months all over the news, yet, when it comes to CP, we get the shaft every year. Therefore, we can’t wait for someone else to sound the alarm. If you have an idea, DO IT! There is no wrong way to raise awareness. Something as simple as sharing blog posts like this one, or sharing posts on social media helps get the word out.

Remember that everything helps, especially if we all do our part. Our stories need to be told; in addition, our awareness day and months deserve to be recognized. P.S. Raise your hand if you remember Simple Minds’ song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” featured in The Breakfast Club?

Slow change may pull us apart
When the light gets into your heart, baby
Don’t you, forget about me
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t you, forget about me

What will you do to help make sure that no one forgets about cerebral palsy?