United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) will participate in STEPtember, an international and monthlong campaign that encourages people to raise money by performing daily exercises equivalent to walking 10,000 steps a day throughout September. The effort supports programs and services that improve the lives of people with disabilities like cerebral palsy (CP).
“Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood and causes multiple concerns for these children,” Rick Forkosh, UCP’s interim CEO, said in a press release. “People with disabilities — children and adults — have the same desires, hopes, and dreams as the rest of us. The money and awareness raised by STEPtember enables our organization to provide valuable services and resources to these families to enhance the care of their loved one.”
The fundraiser challenge runs from Sept. 1–28. Participants are encouraged to set up a team of four and register online at the STEPtember campaign webpage. A convenient online tracker will be used by teams to record daily steps or the step equivalent of 70 activities, along with information on their collected donations. Each participant is encouraged to raise at least $100.
“Because of the level of care individuals with disabilities often need, some families experience severe financial hardship,” Forkosh said. “STEPtember enables UCP to assist these families and directly benefits those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. With the help of everyone who participates in this STEPtember, we can create a movement that inspires and transforms lives.”
This year, 33 UCP affiliates and local organizations are committed to leading STEPtember challenges in their communities. All money raised will remain with the local organizations and go toward providing equipment, therapy sessions, and support for people in their own cities and towns who live with disabilities.
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals and Merz Pharma Group are on board with the STEPtember movement as Premier Level Sponsor and National Sponsor, respectively.
United Cerebral Palsy was founded in 1949 with the goal of educating, advocating, and providing support services for those with cerebral palsy or other disabilities. The organization’s mission is to help CP patients become more independent, productive, and active.