New Cerebral PalsyTreatment for a Local Boy

Golf Benefit: September 28, 2008

When you hear the term Cerebral Palsy, or read numbers that "764,000 children and adults manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy," or that 8,000 babies and 1,200-1.500 preschoolers are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy each year, you may be affected by those high numbers. (United Cerebral Therapy)

But it only takes the face of one person with Cerebral Palsy to make a real impact. SuperSamuel is not a number or a statistic. He is a real, happy boy with a fun sense of humor and a flirty smile. Sam Patterson, almost three, does things other kids his age don't do: he rides horses and he is a seasoned knock-knock joke teller. He also has Cerebral Palsy.

The SuperSameul Golf Classic is a benefit event for young Sam Patterson.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a condition affecting muscle coordination and balance, and is caused by fetal or newborn damage to parts of the brain, according to Easter Seals.

The Cerebral Palsy condition is not progressive, in fact, with physical therapy, some of its side effects can be managed.

Managing Cerebral Palsy

SuperSamuel, as his family fondly calls him has been pegged as an ideal candidate to undergo intense pediatric physical therapy that also happens to be holistic. The method is called the TheraSuit Method and it entails the use of a special wearable, suit that attempts to re-train the central nervous system and "align the body to as close to normal as possible."

Part of the TheraSuit Method for kids with Cerebral Palsy is an intense training session at a clinic. In order to defray the costs, the family is hosting the SuperSameul Golf Classic.

While there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, intense physical therapy, like the TheraSuit Method will provide a child like SuperSamuel with increased balance and coordination.

The SuperSamuel Golf Classic

The SuperSamuel Golf Classic starts at 10:00 a.m. on September 28, 2008. With a donation of $150 you can enjoy 18 holes of golf at the Leicester Country Club. Included are a golf cart and a gift pack. You can also have fun as you try to win the Longest Drive or the Closest to pin contests.