Neo Kidd-Taylor

10,000 steps a day for a cause that's incredibly close to my heart.

When my son Khaya was born, he was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. HIE isn't cerebral palsy, but it can increase the risk of cerebral palsy and other developmental challenges.

I still remember watching my newborn in those early moments of life laying bare on a bed of ice undergoing a cooling treatment for 72 hours and being told to prepare for an uncertain future.

Waiting. Hoping. Wondering what his life might look like.

For the next two years, I watched every milestone closely. Every smile. Every word. Every step. I expected delays, but Khaya kept surprising us. At two years old, he was cleared from the critical period, although we were encouraged to continue monitoring his development as he grew.

Today, he's thriving. 

His journey taught me that early intervention, medical research and the right support can change the course of a child's life. That's why this cause means so much to me.

Every step I take this Steptember is for children like Khaya, whose future was changed by early intervention, medical research and a community that believed in what was possible. Please help me give that same hope to other families.

❤️ “Supporting kids through early intervention. Every step forward matters."