In anticipation of the upcoming “Learn Without Limits” Gala, which is focused on supporting young people with CP in achieving their goals for post-secondary education, the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is featuring Nathan Bragg’s Academic Journey. To learn more about Nathan’s successful university experience, and the opportunities his advanced education has created for him, click here: https://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/2018/02/learn-without-limits-nathan-bragg/
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
Message from the President of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC: “How can I Help”
On a rainy spring day in 2013, I was sitting in my office, contemplating a particularly moving conversation I had just had with a parent of a child living with cerebral palsy. As a parent of young children myself, this conversation left me feeling both humbled and inspired by the resilience and determination of this parent who was navigating a difficult road for her child. Every day she rose and fought for what she knew her child needed and deserved. What struck me most was that she fought this battle primarily alone, with little support and few who understood her world or the unique challenges faced by her child. This story was by no means unique – I have sat in the living rooms of countless families of children living with cerebral palsy and heard their accounts of tireless uphill battles with no or little support from the community.
That afternoon, I knocked on the door of the office of the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia and I asked, “How can I help?” Thus began my volunteer work with the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC.
Over the past few years I have served on the board of directors of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, alongside a dedicated group of volunteers. Together we have brainstormed, strategized, planned and imagined all the ways in which our organization could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cerebral palsy. We have often paused to ask ourselves, “Do we really know what our members need?” In response to this very important question, we created an Advisory Committee of parents, medical professionals, and people living with cerebral palsy to guide and inform us of what is most needed, so that we could focus our limited resources in a way to make the greatest difference. We have learned a great deal from the volunteers on our Advisory Committee, but recognize we must remain in touch with and informed by our membership.
My goal during my term as president is to improve understanding, to build a community of support and resources, and to reduce the feelings of isolation and loneliness that are all too common among individuals living with cerebral palsy, and their families.
In the simplest terms, the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC exists to improve the lives of people living with cerebral palsy. As I proudly assume the role of President of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, I ask, “How can I help?”
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s annual fundraising gala “Learn Without Limits” – An invitation to change the life path of a young person living with CP.
Every day presents us with opportunities to give back; to do our small part to improve the lives of others. To support and strengthen the communities in which we live, work and raise our children. As President of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, I would like to invite you to join us in providing opportunities for young people living with cerebral palsy to achieve their educational aspirations.
The focus of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC’s fourth annual Gala is Learn Without Limits. Our goal is to support and empower young people living with cerebral palsy to achieve their goals through advanced education.
As a lawyer, education has provided me with a great opportunity to practice law and the privilege to represent children living with cerebral palsy, and their families. The people I have come to know with cerebral palsy are tremendously driven and resilient, and will do extraordinary things when given the opportunities which help break down barriers created by their disability.
Often, the financial costs and medical demands caused by their disability create barriers to funding post – secondary education. I have personally met with several recipients of education bursaries granted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC and their stories of what they have been able to achieve are truly remarkable. For this reason, my firm, Pacific Medical Law, has been supporting the education bursary program at the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC for several years now and will continue to do so, with the firm belief that education opens doors and creates opportunities.
Imagine for a moment how your financial support of the Learn Without Limits fundraising Gala can change the life path of a hardworking, determined young person living with cerebral palsy with a dream of furthering their education. Imagine the pride that person will feel upon graduation, and the employment opportunities that their education will provide.
I am hopeful you share our view of the importance of supporting young people living with cerebral palsy with their educational goals. I encourage you to become a sponsor and join us at the fourth annual Gala on March 15, 2018, to celebrate the accomplishments of past education bursary recipients, and to support future young people in pursuing their educational aspirations. Please click here for more information: https://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/events/life-without-limits-gala/
Play Without Limits – Why it Matters!
At Pacific Medical Law, we know that for kids, playing is not a luxury – it is their “work”. It is how children learn to interact with their environment, develop physical skills and strength, expand their imagination and build friendships. It is indeed the essence of childhood. The importance of play in a child’s life simply cannot be over-emphasized.
Kids with disabilities are just like all other kids – they want to play, explore and have fun with friends. Yet, notwithstanding our common experience and the medical research which supports the importance of play in a child’s life, there is little support offered to children with disabilities to create recreational opportunities and support their ability to engage in play. Children with disabilities often need specialized equipment or other supports to facilitate their participation.
We are proud to support the efforts of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC to assist them in raising funds to create opportunities for our youngest members to play. Last year, through the generous support of our community, we were able to provide an adaptive bike to a little girl with cerebral palsy named Eleeka. She rode a bike for the first time in her life – and her smile said it all! I had a chance to meet with Eleeka and it was clear to me that she and her family were very happy for her to have this special bicycle so she could be active in the sunshine.
To be in a position to put a smile on the face of a child is an opportunity that should not be missed. To be able to provide an opportunity for a child to grow, to laugh and to build friendships that they might not otherwise have is an opportunity that should be seized upon. It is a unique opportunity where doing something small can make a significant difference in the life of a child.
Kids with disabilities are resilient. They are fighters. They have overcome challenges and hurdles that few of us can comprehend. They deserve the same opportunities as all other kids. I am committed to doing what I can to make a difference in the lives of children living with cerebral palsy.
September – Pacific Medical Law is Steppin’ Up to Support Children Living with Cerebral Palsy
As part of our commitment to assist children living with cerebral palsy, both inside and outside the courtroom, the lawyers at Pacific Medical Law are once again participating in September – an annual fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for children living with cerebral palsy.
In the past, Pacific Medical Law was honoured to have been awarded the Top Fundraising Organization in Canada, raising over $8,000. Our mission this year is to raise at least the same amount of money, but to expand our reach and focus on raising awareness of cerebral palsy in our communities. Our goal is to encourage as many people as possible to show their support for people living with cerebral palsy by making a contribution in any amount they wish. We want to send a strong message to people living with cerebral palsy that the communities in which they live care about them and support them.
Please show your support by making a donation to at: https://event.September.ca/donate/search?search=steppin%27+up
No donation is too small, and a tax receipt will be provided for all donations over $10.
*image via https://research.cerebralpalsy.org.au