Step Up for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Türkiye- Türkiye Spastik Çocuklar Vakfı is running the "Steptember" project to raise awareness about the existence and needs of children with cerebral palsy. It is inviting everyone to take 10,000 steps per day throughout September. Steptember, which began in 2011 under Australia's leadership and derives its name from the combination of the words September and Step, is organized simultaneously in 7 countries each September. Steptember is a corporate social responsibility project created to have a positive impact on both the lives of participants and children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a type of physical disability that affects posture and motor ability and is frequently seen during infancy and childhood. More than 6,000 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year in our country. Participants supporting the Steptember project begin walking their steps for children with cerebral palsy starting in September. While raising awareness about cerebral palsy through this project, the aim is also to collect donations from the social environment for children with cerebral palsy whose families face financial difficulties, enabling them to access the specialized education and rehabilitation services they need free of charge. With the donations collected, Cerebral Palsy Türkiye-Türkiye Spastik Çocuklar Vakfı uses the funds for education, psychological and social support, early intervention consultation, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, special education for children with cerebral palsy, and to support scientific research. Since 2014, the foundation has maintained a global campaign through Steptember, which it has taken on as Turkey's component, while offering an action that benefits participants in return. By registering at www.steptember.org.tr, volunteers forming 4-person teams document the steps they take each day starting in September on the website. Steptember volunteers can run, cycle, swim or dance in addition to walking. The Steptember website features nearly 40 different activities that automatically convert the activities performed into step counts. After one month, participants open the doors to both a healthier and more vibrant life, while also contributing to the specialized education and rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy.