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
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?”
How do you parent a child with a disability
Some wise and witty advice on parenting a child with a disability from Zach Anner
Parenting is the hardest job in the world at the best of times. Zach Anner, a comedian, actor and writer with cerebral palsy has some wise advice for parents on strategies for raising a child with cerebral palsy:
1. Be okay with watching your kids struggle.
Zach gives a great example of how his mom had to step back and allow him to struggle – for two hours! – to learn to put on his socks. It now only takes him 5 minutes. Zach credits his current independence and “coolness” to his mother’s ability to step back and allow him to struggle through his challenges.
2. Raise your kids to be considerate, thoughtful adults who aren’t always the centre of attention.
Zach describes how growing up, a child with a disability can get used to the world revolving around him or her. Getting use to this is dangerous as it can breed co-dependency. It can also encourage narcissism – which he jokingly admits he has, firmly of the belief that no party starts until he has arrived!
3. Be careful about accidentally patronizing your child.
Zach explains that there can be a tendency to give kids with a disability credit that they have not earned. Don’t do this. Instead, find ways for your child to contribute in realistic and meaningful ways and give them credit for what they have contributed.
4. Treat your disabled teenager as a teenager.
Simply put – if you would not barge into your able bodied 15 year old’s bedroom – don’t do it for your disabled teenager!
A few other random pieces of advice offered by Zach …
5. Let your kid’s passion lead rather than their disability.
In other words, don’t conflate your child’ disability with their identity – who they really are in their hearts, minds and souls.
6. You want to prepare your child with a disability for the real world.
Focus on strategies for independence that will work in the real world, outside the familiarity and comfort of their own home.
7. Most important piece of advice – this one is for the kids – thank your mom for EVERYTHING!
For some great insights, and a laugh, click here for the full video: https://www.facebook.com/littlethingscom/videos/1029249823951056/
Also, I encourage you to read Zach’s book, “If at Birth You Don’t Succeed”, a similarly witty and frank memoir about the trials and tribulations of living life to the fullest. For a brief glimpse into the book click here: https://www.pacificmedicallaw.ca/blog/2016/03/if-at-birth-you-dont-succeed.shtml
To purchase the book and get to know Zach better, click here:
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/
Pacific Medical Law Supports the 2017 Janna Epp Bursary
Pacific Medical Law has established a bursary in honour of Janna Epp, a beautiful, determined young girl with cerebral palsy who faced challenges that few of us could imagine. Sadly on October 11, 2012, Janna passed away.
In memory of Janna, Pacific Medical Law donates $5,000 to a child living with cerebral palsy in BC every year, to assist with that child’s care, therapy, equipment or recreation.
If you have a child with cerebral palsy who could benefit from these funds, please send in your application. The recipient of the bursary will be selected by Janna’s mother.
Applications are due July 1, 2017
Contact Pacific Medical Law for application details:
604-685-2361 or toll free 604-685-2361