Searching for a challenge that can both improve your fitness level and raise money for a great cause?
Look no further than Steptember!
Throughout the month of September, thousands of Australians will be joining together to walk 10,000 steps for 28 days to raise awareness for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
What is Steptember?
Beginning on the 4th of September, Steptember aims to raise awareness for Australians suffering from Cerebral Palsy.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) helps people with the condition to live an independent, inclusive and comfortable life.
They want to increase awareness and funds so that people living with Cerebral Palsy can access innovative and high-quality services.
The Alliance relies on these funds so that they can provide life skills programs, family-centred therapies, support and equipment for those living with Cerebral Palsy.
CPA also uses donated money to fund research into Cerebral Palsy through the Australian Research Foundation.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is defined as a physical disability that affects movement and posture.
In Australia alone, more than 34,000 people are living with Cerebral Palsy and is considered to be the most common physical disability in childhood. In fact, every 15 hours, a child in Australia is born with Cerebral Palsy.
It is caused by damage when the brain is developing during pregnancy or shortly after the child is born.
There are many ways Cerebral Palsy affects people, including muscle control, body movement, muscle tone, balance, posture, muscle coordination and reflex.
It is a permanent condition where symptoms can worsen or improve throughout the person’s life.
Cerebral Palsy may also cause people to suffer from epilepsy, as well as speech, visual, learning, hearing and intellectual impairments.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition.
So, grab your running shoes and start the 10,000 steps per day throughout the month of September to help people suffering Cerebral Palsy and their families!
Anyone in Australia can take part in Steptember. To sign up or for more information, head to the website.
