FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2016 (Vancouver, British Columbia) – To celebrate National CP Awareness Month, the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC) will be greeting the public with a booth on the southern steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Thursday, May 26. As part of its TELUS Days of Giving campaign, TELUS employees will be volunteering to hand out information about the CPABC, as well as selling CPABC baseball hats and awareness bracelets.
CPABC Executive director Feri Dehdar said, “Raising awareness of cerebral palsy helps to show that people with disabilities can live a life without limits, have a fulfilling career, have a family and even run a marathon.”
Ekamjit Ghuman, 27, lives with CP and is pursuing her diploma in human resources management. To her, awareness about CP is important “because people don’t know what cerebral palsy is, there are a lot of misconceptions around it. For instance, people don’t realize that people living with cerebral palsy can get an education, be employed and be successful in life.” People with CP will be joining the conversation in person and on social media to say what #CPAwareness means to them.
One of every 500 children born has CP. It affects body movement and muscle coordination. It may impact mobility, speech, or motor skills, but each person is affected in their own unique way.
The Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia aims to create a life without limits for people living with CP and other physical disabilities by raising awareness and providing education and support. In 2013, it was recognized by the City of Vancouver Access & Inclusion Award, Organization Category. Each year the CPABC awards up to 12 bursaries to students with CP pursuing post-secondary education. For more about the programs and services provided by the CBAPBC, please visit www.bccerebralpalsy.com.
The CP Awareness Month rally will take place on May 26th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 800 Robson St near the southern steps on the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Media Inquiries:
Ian Bushfield, Events and Development Coordinator
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
(604) 408-9484, 1-800-663-0004
On May 26 call 778-680-5729
Feri Dehdar, Executive Director
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
(604) 408-9484, 1-800-663-0004
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with CP to reach their maximum potential within society. We provide support, education, and information throughout BC. Our Mission is: To raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy in the community; To assist those living with Cerebral Palsy to reach their maximum potential; and To work to see those living with Cerebral Palsy recognize their place as equals in a diverse society.
The Gift of Play – Making Connections through Sport
The Gift of Play – Seeing through Limitations
Striving to live a Life Without Limits – Kim Do pursues website design
The gift of water – benefits for people with cerebral palsy
