Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by damage to the motor control centre of the brain and as a result it affects mobility. Tasks such as walking, sitting or tying one’s shoelaces could be difficult for some, while others may have difficulty grasping objects. However, with the right therapy and intervention there is an increased possibility for a better quality of life.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by head injuries, a mother having a viral illness or complications during pregnancy which causes lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, premature birth and Rh incompatibility between mother and child.
Some early signs of cerebral palsy are poor head control after three months, continuous fisting of the hands, scissoring of the legs, seizures, inability to sit up by eight months and feeding problems.
The Cerebral Palsy Association of St.Lucia (CPA) established in 2012, is a support group for people suffering from the condition and their families and caretakers. The Association focuses on assisting them and advocating on their behalf, and also provides vital information on the prevention and therapeutic treatment of cerebral palsy. It also advises parents on treatment options and the availability of specialized equipment to assist in caring for children with cerebral palsy.
Over the past two years the Association has organised a series of activities to help provide sustained medical and emotional support to families affected by the condition.
The activities included an annual Family Fun Day, an annual Respite Day for the parents, a monthly horseback riding program as well as a weekly swimming program, quarterly Sensory Parties and a dental clinic. Most of these events have been funded through activities such as a Bingo Night, a Valentine’s Day cookie sale and through corporate partnerships.
The Association continues to receive strong and loyal support from its patron, Mrs. Karolin Troubetzkoy and also from KFC. KFC has played an ambassadorial role in helping to promote greater awareness of the CPA and persons affected by cerebral palsy. They have been partnering with the Cerebral Palsy Association for more than two years and continue to assist in creating awareness and giving support when needed.
Recently KFC donated equipment to the Association to help make basic everyday tasks easier for children and parents who receive support from the CPA. KFC has vowed to continue helping the Cerebral Palsy Association to ensure that we all understand that Disability does not mean Inability!
Keeping Hope Alive for Victims of Cerebral Palsy
October was quite an exciting month for the Cerebral Palsy Association with October 1st being recognized as World Cerebral Palsy Day.
Activities were organised throughout the month to heighten public awareness of the disease, including a march through the streets of Castries. Several schools came out in support of the event, including the Dennery Special Education Centre, Ave Maria Primary, Gordon and Walcott Memorial, Vide Bouteille Primary, Sure Start preschool and HECDEC preschool.
The students and their parents joined in marching through central Castries, all dressed in green to help raise awareness of the condition. Chants of ‘We support Cerebral Palsy Awareness’, ‘Disability does not mean Inability’ and ‘Rising above Physical Challenges’ echoed through the William Peter Boulevard. It culminated at the Constitution Park at the foot of the monument of Sir John Compton. In addition to creating awareness of cerebral palsy, the procession helped to reassure families and children with cerebral palsy throughout Saint Lucia that they are not alone. All in all, it was a very inspiring event.
It was followed by the Association’s 1st Annual Green Tie Cocktail Fundraiser & Auction held October 11th at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. This event also featured several paintings by children with cerebral palsy. It was a fundraising event to help the Association continue its on-going activities throughout the year to support children with CP.
The Association offers heartfelt thanks to the many corporate sponsors who came on board and provided generous support to the event.
‘Give us equal opportunity to work and play!”
Dwight Constantine is a young St. Lucian who is afflicted by cerebral palsy. Notwithstanding his condition, Dwight is a highly motivated youth who has always been determined to further his education and achieve his dreams. To date he has majored in economics with a minor in Management Information Systems.
Sherma Thomas, another young St. Lucia affected by cerebral palsy, has proven that she can be as capable and productive as anyone else. She writes novels and promotes and markets them overseas.
These two are shining examples proving that cerebral palsy does not limit a person’s ability to achieve their dreams and succeed.
In the words of Dwight Constantine: ‘To the wider society … I ask that you don’t treat us preferentially but equally. Give us equal opportunity to work and play, give us a chance to fail … we will always surprise you. Equal not preferential. If we can stand, let us. But if we need access for our wheelchairs, at least provide that. We have a contribution to make to society, to GDP, to our country! But unlike most of you, we never get the chance to reach the heights we set for ourselves through no fault of our own.’
The Association would like to recognize these two inspiring young adults and wish them continued success in all their endeavours!
