Did you know that March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month?
I know that I didn’t before my son was diagnosed and this condition was launched onto my radar, front and center. Sometimes we aren’t aware of things until they affect us personally, it’s human nature, I suppose. But me, your friend (we’re friends, right?), urges you to be aware of CP and ignore the misinformation and falsities out there.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is a blanket term for congenital disorders affecting the ability to move and control movements. Every person has different symptoms, but this condition can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture, and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor function.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed and individuals with CP can live long, healthy, and quality lives.
This year, Flynn was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. It wasn’t necessarily unexpected, but it still sent me into a tailspin of grief, and I felt as if I was starting from scratch. Those of you that know him (some of you may), know that he’s always smiling, has a true passion for life, and loves nothing more than he loves Spider-Man. Each day, Flynn continues to reach towards infinity and beyond and makes us indescribably proud. He’s undoubtedly the fiercest person I know.
No one is defined by their disability, it’s just one aspect of someone’s multi-faceted, full life. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month means that our voices (Flynn’s voice) can be heard and we get to show everyone how beautiful “special” can be.
This March, let’s wear green on more than St. Patrick’s Day!
Mark your calendars to Go Green for CP on March 25th, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
Please join us in the movement!
Underestimated Strength is a collection of posts all about our journey through life as we navigate preemie parenting after the NICU. Feel free to follow me on my website, where I speak freely about our story and advocacy.
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