Programs Without Limits – Taewon Kook – Cerebral Palsy Association of BC

Getting involved with the CPABC helps me break down my boundaries.” – Taewon Kook, participant of many of CPABC’s programs

“You know the [motto] Life Without Limits? …Getting involved with the CPABC helps me break down my boundaries,” answers Taewon Kook – friends call him Ty – when asked about which one of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s programs he enjoys the most.

With the slogan “Life Without Limits”, the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) seeks to provide services that uplift individuals living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities emotionally, financially and physically.

Some members benefit from the full cycle of programs offered by the organization. For Taewon Kook, his first engagement with the CPABC was as a Tanabe Bursary participant. Ty was already a member, but was encouraged by a staff person at Simon Fraser University to apply for the Tanabe Bursary. Ty was pleasantly surprised when he received a bursary, as he understood how many people applied for it. He believes that it helped him apply himself more fully to his studies.

A few years after graduating from University, Ty helped the CPABC with its Steptember initiatives. Steptember is part of a worldwide health and wellness challenge in which individuals take 10,000 steps a day in the month of September while raising money for cerebral palsy. Ty led his own team and found a passion for non-profit fundraising. Since then, he has been an active volunteer with the CPABC.

Ty led his own team and found a passion for non-profit fundraising. Since then, he has been an active volunteer with the CPABC.

Ty has been a regular attendee at the CPABC’s monthly Healthy Eating – Healthy Life community kitchen and adapted yoga classes, and was one of the first participants in the CPABC’s pre-employment program. In conversation, he discusses how he enjoys activities that push his limits, and connecting with the staff and volunteers that help deliver programs and resources. One of his favourite programs is adapted yoga, a program that has helped improve his flexibility through regular weekly sessions. Ty fondly mentions how the Vancouver instructor, Maggie Reagh, encourages him to test his limits while simultaneously enjoying himself.

Adaptive recreation programs are offered by the CPABC throughout the year, and scholarships are awarded each fall to young people setting out on the next step of their journey. Together these programs can contribute to a well-rounded and active Life Without Limits like Ty’s.