Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation Launches Fourth STEPtember Campaign

NEW YORK – AUGUST 31, 2020 – Want to get moving, break up your routine, and make a difference right now? On September 1, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) is thrilled to launch its fourth annual STEPtember campaign in the United States to raise funds and awareness for cerebral palsy research. A fully virtual challenge, STEPtember meets everyone wherever they are at this moment — encouraging people to move in the ways that work for them to reach a total of 10,000 steps a day for 28 straight days. This year’s event runs through September 28.

CPARF is determined to raise the bar from last year’s best-ever event, which brought in $1.45 million, fueled by 17,000 participants. Companies like Nexstar Media Group want to step up even more in 2020. Karen Baird, the Business Administrator at Nexstar’s WAVY TV-10 in Norfolk, VA, is motivated to take part because her stepson has cerebral palsy, and her enthusiasm is palpable. “I think and hope our station can raise $10,000. And then for Nexstar as a whole, I can see all the stations getting to that. I think we can really push this to grow.”

STEPtember is powered by people and by friendly competition — every person and every team signs up to see who can raise the most funds and take the most steps. All abilities are welcome and 60 activities convert to steps.

Cerebral palsy doesn’t stop, no matter what else is happening in the world. 18 million people of all ages have cerebral palsy globally, and they still need therapies and equipment to help them move and thrive. Science still needs to advance to help people with cerebral palsy live the lives they envision for themselves.

Funds from STEPtember support US-based research projects to open up what’s possible for cerebral palsy, from chronic pain treatments to precision medicine to technological advancements.

STEPtember is a global fundraising movement that began in Australia a decade ago. In addition to the US and Australia, it will also take place in France, Turkey, and The Netherlands this year.

Additional organizations with employees signed up to step it up include Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Invesco, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, QBE, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, PwC, and ViacomCBS. To join them and others to get moving and move cerebral palsy research forward, visit www.steptember.us.