STEPtember is an annual fitness challenge and fundraising event led by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF). It brings people together from around the U.S. to get more exercise, meet fundraising goals, and bring awareness to cerebral palsy.
About STEPtember 2023
This year’s STEPtember is the 7th annual event that raises money for cerebral palsy research and affordable, accessible technologies. Fundraising is just one goal of the month-long event. The other goal is to showcase movement and exercise for all ability levels.
Participants aim to get 10,000 steps per day during the month, but it’s more inclusive than it sounds. Various adaptive sports can be converted into steps so that everyone can get involved. Participants can also choose activity goals that are most meaningful for them. It’s not a one-size-fits-all event, which is so important for bringing awareness to all the variations in abilities in people with cerebral palsy.
This event is also important because it emphasizes that everyone can and should move. Being active is not limited to athletes or people without disabilities. It’s for everyone.
How to Participate in STEPtember
The more people get involved in STEPtember, the better. You don’t have to have cerebral palsy or know someone who does. The first step is to register online as an individual or as a member of a team. Next, start fundraising. Reach out to family and friends, use your social media platforms, and challenge your employer to help raise funds.
As you step or complete other activities during STEPtember, log them in the system. You can log steps manually or connect your wearable device to the STEPtember app and record them automatically. Follow you and your team’s progress on the leaderboard and share the event with everyone you know.
Where Do the Funds Go?
CPARF is an international non-profit organization that raises money for cerebral palsy research. The funds from STEPtember go toward several of the organization’s initiatives:
- Early Diagnosis and Interventions. The earlier a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and starts treatment, the better their outcomes are. CPARF supports research dedicated to finding better ways to detect CP and implement interventions.
- Genetic Research. Researchers are beginning to uncover potential genetic components of cerebral palsy. This kind of research can help improve diagnosis, contribute to prevention strategies, and help create individualized treatments.
- Chronic Pain. Most people with CP live with chronic pain. Research efforts are looking at the causes of pain and developing better, non-addictive pain medications.
- Technology and Innovation. CPARF supports research projects on the cutting edge of CP diagnosis and treatment. A critical area of study is creating better communication tools for the 25% of people with CP who cannot talk.
STEPtember funds are not just for research. The money raised will also go to Remarkable US, CPARF’s assistive technology startup. Its goal is to make assistive technology more affordable and accessible to more people who can benefit from it.
If you have CP, care for someone who does, or just want to support a good cause, consider joining STEPtember this year and every year.
