About Support Groups for Cerebral Palsy
Nothing can prepare a father for the pain of having a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy. No one can fully comfort a mother when she sees her child struggle to keep up with other children. But there are others who understand.
According to Cerebral Palsy Magazine, more than 750,000 people in the United States have cerebral palsy. Each year, 10,000 babies are born with some form of cerebral palsy. Each one of those people has loved ones, and support is available from a number of sources.
More than 200 cerebral palsy support groups are online, and that number is growing. Advice, education, news and inspiration are all available at the click of a mouse.
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United Cerebral Palsy
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United Cerebral Palsy (UPC) is one of the largest and most recognized organizations providing cerebral palsy resources. In addition to information, the organization also serves as an advocacy group. Its website connects people to local cerebral palsy chapters, many of which have support groups. If a support group is not available in a specific area, it is often able to connect parents and other loved ones to others in their area who may be interested in starting one.
Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation
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The growing volume of research on cerebral palsy and its many causes is astounding. The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPI Research Foundation) has a website full of the latest news on research and available treatment options. The foundation also posts uplifting stories and holds events for those affected by cerebral palsy.
This site also provides an outlet for researchers to exchange ideas and studies so that, together, new treatments and preventive measures can be developed. -
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
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Children's Neurobiological Solutions (CNS) maintains a site dedicated to finding solutions to brain repair for children who have many different brain disorders, including cerebral palsy. Although mostly scientific in nature, the site features real-world people and their struggles, and has given hope to many people. Through CNS, users can access a virtual "album of hope," and see that they truly are not alone. In addition, the organization provides resources in both video and web format. Also provided is a calendar of events for fund-raisers and informational seminars aimed at both family members and researchers.
Mayo Clinic
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The Mayo Clinic has a special outreach for children with cerebral palsy. It is one of the most highly utilized, and highly respected, medical centers offering treatment options for cerebral palsy. Although each person's medical options are different, many parents have found that the Mayo Clinic has offered them options that other medical centers that do not specialize in cerebral palsy cannot.
The Cerebral Palsy Group
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Many resources are available for children with cerebral palsy, but it can be difficult to find specialists for teens and adults. The Cerebral Palsy Group is an organization focused on providing resources for adults with cerebral palsy. Through its website, users can find doctors, check out research updates, find literature on the subject and watch videos. The Cerebral Palsy Group also holds annual conferences for adults with cerebral palsy, and can even provide mentors for those with the condition so that they can be encouraged to realize their dreams.
Cerebral Palsy Network
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The Cerebral Palsy Network (CPN) is nonprofit group organized for parents and others with loved ones who have cerebral palsy. By talking through struggles and triumphs with others who have been through the same thing, parents can gain insight and support through CPN. The organization provides a chat room, as well as other networking opportunities, and hosts a Parent Survival Conference. Volunteers are also currently working to build an equipment bank to allow parents to exchange outgrown specialty items, such as orthotics and shoes.
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