Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a social movement, of, by and for the CP community. The vision of World CP Day is to ensure that everyone with CP has the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood and is also one of the least understood. Doctors are reluctant to make a diagnosis, too many people receive ineffective therapies, too many individuals and their families lack access to basic information and support, too little money is being spent on research, and far too many societies keep people with CP out of sight, out of mind and out of options.

It is time to close the gap between the everyday circumstance and the real potential of people living with CP. Through World CP Day, we will join together to combine our resources, energy and knowledge. We will share our stories and best ideas. We will tell the world … I AM HERE!

I am here, at a Ray’s game with Mommy

I am here, catching beads at Gasparilla.

I am here, working hard at school

I am here, striving to maximize my potential.

I am here, surrounded by my family

I am here, living a life very much like yours. I may have a few more hurdles than most, but I am here . Hello my name is Mattie Spinner. I am 5 years old and I have cerebral palsy.

Want to help me build a global movement to change the world for people with cerebral palsy?

Here are a few ideas:

-Tonight, join me, my friends and family at Piquant Epicure & Cuisine in South Tampa (October 5, 2016 from 6-9pm) for a special evening benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay. Come enjoy appetizers and learn more about cerebral palsy and how we can all be a catalyst for social change. One free cocktail with a cash donation of any size.

Although not required, all donations received will benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization dedicated to guiding and assisting families and individuals with any disability or other barriers to achieve their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence. If you are unable to make it and would still like to donate, please click HERE.

-Come join us as we host the 4th Annual Hope for Mattie Charity Golf Tournament on October 29th. We still have spots open for players, sponsors and volunteers. For more information click HERE.

-Help fund the desperate need for research for treatment and prevention. Some US based organizations that are funding research and leading national advocacy efforts for the CP community are:

CP Now, LetsCureCP, Reaching for the Stars. A Cerebral Palsy Foundation,  Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation

-Make a direct impact on Mattie’s life and help fund her next round of therapies by making a donation HERE.

-To learn more about Cerebral Palsy, check out this Slideshow. To learn more about Mattie watch her video HERE.

Help us celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day and take action for the 17 million people across the world that are here, living with cerebral palsy. Please and Thank you!