Tony works for us in Geelong and raising awareness about Cerebral Palsy (CP) is very important to him. You see, both Tony and his sister, Lidia, have CP. “My CP is not as severe as Lidia’s,” said Tony. “I’m able to get around with a walking frame, work full-time and care for myself.” “Lidia, on the other hand, has lost her mobility, doesn’t speak and sadly, now needs 24 hour care.” Cerebral palsy affects people in many different ways including muscle movement, control, coordination and tone as well as reflex, posture and balance. Someone with CP may also have other health issues like epilepsy or visual, speech and hearing impediments. Lidia, who is in her fifties, now resides in a high care facility after a fall at home. “It’s close to home so I’m able to see her every day,” said Tony. “Even so, it’s tough - I know she’s not as happy as she would be if she was at home but I can’t provide the level of care she needs and to have someone come in and look after her is too expensive.” And as for Tony – well he’s a quiet kind of a bloke who loves nothing more than having a laugh with friends and spending time with his sister. “Even though she’s my sister, for me, Lidia is my best friend,” he adds. “I think she’d agree.” “I spend a lot of time with her, often at the expense of my own health issues and social life but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Today is Cerebral Palsy Day. This year’s theme is ‘Change My World in 1 Minute’. How would you change the world of a person with CP?
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:57:12 +0000
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