Natalie Leamy

For people living with cerebral palsy - just like our Charles Nathaniel

Last year this non fan of exercise decided to step up and raise money for folk living with cerebral palsy like our Charles Nathaniel, better known as Nate, cheeky chops or slick (boy has some dance moves :) ). 

The community around us astounded us by helping us raise more than $1000. 

This year, I am lacing up my sneakers again and getting ready to move for folk like Nate. 

Back story: For those of you who don't know Nate has a condition called spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. In Nate's case it mainly affects his legs and sometimes his mouth (speech patterns). His legs get stiff and contracted and he wears orthotics to help give him strength as he walks and as he grows.  When he was four months old we were told he was going to be level four CP, requiring a wheelchair. But we've been lucky to get access early to AMAZING allied health humans and his tribe of physios, speech pathologists, music therapists, and occupational therapists (along with his doctors) who have helped this little man move to a level 2. He may not run as fast as his big sisters, but he's got the determination to master the art of it, and of big flights of stairs (hopefully in time for school next year!). 

While we've been lucky with the progress and support for Nate, not every family with a kiddo with CP has been as fortunate. The equipment is expensive and the journey can be really bloody hard. 

This month is Steptember (yes my editorial friends out there the extra t is supposed to be there :). It's the major fundraising event for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. They are known for research, advocacy, intervention and assistive technology innovation.

So if you can, we would appreciate you considering donating. 

Every dollar raised will support life-changing research, treatment, services and assistive technologies to help people with cerebral palsy.