A Safe Place to Turn When You Feel Completely Alone
It’s hard to imagine that anyone else can know what it’s like for you to once again swallow the lump in your throat as you watch your child struggle to pick up her favorite teddy bear.
Or to hush the secret whisper of guilt that haunts you as you fall asleep at night.
You can’t stop thinking “How did this happen to my child?”™
Know this — you are not alone.
It’s estimated that about 2 babies out of every 1,000 are born with or will be diagnosed with cerebral palsy. That means about 500,000 American’s are living with cerebral palsy right now. With this many people facing similar challenges, rest assured there are individuals who understand what you are going through.
Parents, just like you, form support groups all across the country, through the Internet and in person.
Cerebral Palsy Resources at Your Fingertips
Google alone has over 200 cerebral palsy support groups. You can connect with hundreds of parents who know exactly what you’re feeling every step of the way. Someone else probably knows how you feel each time you learn something new about CP, each time your child reaches a milestone, each time you feel depressed or disappointed.
These moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers share parenting ideas, therapy news, education advice, and of course, inspiration. They also provide a knowing ear to bend and a soft shoulder to cry on.
Check out your local Cerebral Palsy chapter too. See if they have support groups. If not, they might be able to connect you with other parents in your community who want to form one.
Other areas to seek support include:
- The hospital where you delivered your baby
- Your clergy
- Your child’s physical therapist
- Your child’s school
When you connect with other parents who are sailing the same rough waters as you are, both you and your child will feel understood and cared for. And you are bound to make some great life-long friends.
Financial Support is Important Too
Emotional support is critical, even when life is not throwing you surprises. But the big picture includes financial support as well. How will you provide your child the best options possible if your bank account is drained before she reaches kindergarten?
If you think your child’s cerebral palsy may have been preventable, seek expert advice now. There is only one way to find out for sure if your doctor and medical staff did everything possible to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.
If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, then you might be entitled to financial help.
Contact 4MyChild today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
