UCP of Oklahoma Doing Good Works for Many

How You Can Help

Cerebral Palsy isn't really a disease as so many might believe, but more of a "syndrome", as it has many causes and really breaks down to brain injury before the age of two. While many cases of CP are caused by injuries to the brain that occur during development or near the time of birth, Cerebral palsy can also be caused during early infancy as a result of cerebral injury caused by illnesses, things like, encephalitis, meningitis, herpes simplex infections, and so on, as well as head injury that results in subdural hematoma, blood vessel injuries, and many others.

Cerebral palsy disorders affect approximately 2 to 4 individuals for every 1000 births, and in many cases is debilitating. The good news for families of loved one's with Cerebral Palsy is that help is available.

In Norman Oklahoma, in a small office, Michelle Jackson of UCP Oklahoma works diligently to provide assistance to families of those with cerebral palsy. From equipment loans, to unwavering emotional support Michelle has spent many years committed to aiding families as they try to navigate the often rough waters that come with a diagnosis of CP. As a parent of a child with CP, Michelle is all too familiar with the limited help available and with the struggles of dealing with Cerebral Palsy. She has been there and maybe that is part of what makes her so very good at her job, but without community awareness and support, that job becomes more difficult to do every day.

UCP of Oklahoma is a member of United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., the largest non-profit health organization in the country, but with more than 30,000 people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families receiving assistance from UCP affiliates each day, there is never enough available funding to help as many people as they would like to. With increased awareness and community support that could change.