World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed on October 6 every year to celebrate the people with cerebral palsy. The day is backed and supported by 450 cerebral palsy service organisations, universities, research institutions, student groups, parent groups, schools and children's hospitals over 65 countries. The project was launched by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Australia) and United Cerebral Palsy (USA) in 2012. About 17 million people live with cerebral palsy and 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP. Nike Signs Justin Gallegos, First Runner With Cerebral Palsy; His Reaction Will Bring a Lump in Your Throat (Watch Video).

World Cerebral Palsy Day is managed by a group of non-profit organisations like World Cerebral Palsy Initiative. The day was created to spread awareness in people about cerebral palsy and the tries to bring attention to the specific needs of those living with this complex physical condition. The day was to be celebrated every first Wednesday of October but it changed to October 6 permanently after a couple of years of celebration. Nail Salon Turns Away Woman With Cerebral Palsy Because 'She Was Shaking Too Much’; Walmart Employee Steps Up To Help.

Significance

The cerebrum is the upper part of the brain. Any damage to the cerebrum within the age of five can cause cerebral palsy. The cerebrum is responsible for learning things. Hence, people with cerebral palsy have difficulty in learning and communicating. The day is made to celebrate the people with CP and organisations that provide aid to them. The aim is to bring light to this and create awareness and new solutions for this instead of walking away from them. The day asks us to try and help people with CP to live a better life and provide solutions for universal challenges. The colour for this day is green and it is highly encouraged to wear green to show support.

Sometimes a newborn deprived of oxygen can also be affected. However, in 1980s researchers proved only one out of 10 cerebral palsy cases is caused due to lack of oxygen. The impact of CP can range from weakness in one hand to complete lack of voluntary movement. The main goal of this day is to create a world without cerebral palsy and create ways to help people with cerebral palsy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2019 10:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).