Please enable Javascript to watch this video MEMPHIS, Tenn. Tawanda Cason is a teacher on a mission. "I'm trying to help Mrs. Robinson, she's teaching kindergarten here in the summer program. She has a son with cerebral palsy, CP, and she has to spend a lot of money on equipment," she said. The piece of equipment needed in this case is a $2,500 stroller. But Tawanda got the ball rolling before we ever showed up. "So I reached out to my family and friends and collected $1,300. So $1,300 toward that $2,500," she said. "Well, we're going to help you out today," WREG's Tim Simpson said, handing her $300 from News Channel 3 and an additional $300 from an anonymous doctor in Collierville. That's a total of $600 to put toward that chair. "Thank you so much, she's going to be so excited." It's time to roll, from the library to principal's office. But our recipient, Denise Robinson, isn't in trouble. She's about to receive an unexpected blessing. "We started working together last week, and you told me so much about EJ and how you were working this summer to buy him a stroller that cost $2,500. Your story just … Continue reading →

I have met plenty of people along the way who have cerebral palsy, mostly from my being a columnist and speaker. They email me or tell me their concerns and experiences with the disability and often request my advice. I have noticed an increasing number of people who are frustrated by the limited information available about cerebral palsy,especially for those transitioning into adulthood. I hear you and understand the problems, and I hope that I can make getting older a little easier. When the doctor tells you that cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disability, but you find out later that complications happen as you age, you can become frustrated. Yes, cerebral palsy occurs when the brain is injured and its a one-time injury. However, other issues develop due to constant moving, stiffness, and adapting muscles throughout the years. No one discusses this when you are young. I am in my early 40s, so Im not a complete expert on aging and cerebral palsy. From my experience,cerebral palsy does stay pretty much the same. However, how your body physically reacts to cerebral palsy will change. I know that when I was younger I could bounce back from anything with ease. I … Continue reading →

Cerebral palsy doesnt mean you cant have fun together (Picture: Getty) When a sibling has cerebral palsy life is very different, not just for them, but for the whole family. Cerebral Palsy is a permanent muscle disorder that appears in early childhood, and it is caused by abnormal development or damage to parts of the brain that control movement, balance and posture. It varies person to person, and like with all conditions there are good days as well as bad ones. But if your sibling has this condition it certainly hasnt gotten in the way of how close you are, how much you make one another laugh and it doesnt mean you dont bicker over things like what to watch on TV. This condition means that your sibling is physically restricted, and often relies on a wheelchair, walker, crutches or help from family and friends to get around. And at times it leaves them in pain and discomfort which is hard to watch. But youve definitely got a few secret tricks to help them through this, like putting on their favourite movie and ordering their best loved takeaway. The adaptations are not just about accepting that your sibling will have … Continue reading →

A COURAGEOUS teenager with cerebral palsy walked a mile around the grounds of Blenheim Palace to raise cash for a new minibus for his school. Leo Burbidge, 13, successfully complete the challenge called Leos Mega Mile at the Woodstock World Heritage Site as more than 150 friends, family members and supporters cheered him on. A total of 1,650 was raised on the day, a figure matched by Blenheim Palace to make the final amount raised 3,300. To date, Leo, who lives with his family in Woodstock, has raised more than 10,000 towards the costs of the new minibus for The Marlborough School in the town, which will be in the region of 40,000. His mum Rachel said: We could not have asked for a better day and it will stay in our memories and the memory of many others forever. The Ormerod Base Unit at The Marlborough School caters for 25 young people with all sorts of disabilities and by allowing Leo to do his challenge in the beautiful grounds of Blenheim the community has come together and helped every one of them. Leos challenge on July 1 was fully supported by staff at the palace after the youngster sent … Continue reading →