University of Michigan Medical Center

STEPtember 2025

Stepping Up, Pushing Limits, Breaking Barriers for CP and Beyond

Disability is a natural part of the human experience and it touches more lives than you might think. In the U.S., more than 61 million adults — that’s 1 in 4 of us — report having at least one disability. That means millions of our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors face barriers that affect their independence, health, education, and careers.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting 18 million people worldwide. Yet research into its causes and treatments is among the most underfunded in medicine. That’s where Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) comes in. They fund early-stage research that meets the needs of people with CP and related conditions at every age and stage of life. These discoveries make a real difference for individuals, families, and care teams.

Because CP is a dynamic diagnosis that affects each person differently, CPARF's programs have far-reaching impact. They help inform care for other disabilities, our aging population, and society as a whole. For example, CPARF is exploring better ways to manage chronic pain without opioids; work that could change how pain is treated for everyone.

There's an equal and urgent need for innovative solutions that can bridge gaps across all parts of life, helping everyone participate fully and vibrantly in their communities and pursue their dreams.

That’s where assistive technology (AT) comes in. As a powerful driver of social equity, human dignity and inclusion, AT can improve access to learning, working, connection, and healthcare. It helps people live more independently and engage fully in daily life. Through Remarkable US, CPARF's tech accelerator, they’re expanding access to AT and helping people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and age-related challenges live healthy, dignified lives.

Will you make a donation to support this work? Your gift is more than an act of generosity, it’s a powerful investment in research and technology that changes lives.

Together, we can help build a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.

Thank you to our supporters

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Anonymous

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Anonymous

A great cause!

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Arthur Rodgers

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Tonya Rincon

Way to Step Up baby!!

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Diane Pierse

Go Ally!

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Ed Hurvitz

Go PRC rock stars!

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Yooper Rhiz Kid

Thank you for giving Gideon a chance at a better life

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Mitchell O’neill

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Toshiro Hara

Thanks, Neena, for this important initiative!

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Anonymous

Neena, this is just wonderful. I’m cheering you on from the sidelines!

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Christina Bommarito

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Sean Smith

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Neelima Marupudi

We love you!!!!!!!

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Jaya Pathapati

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Sambasiva Marupudi

Besr wishes for reaching your goal 💕

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Sivaram Gogineni

Keep up the great work!

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Sheryl Moffitt

Auntie loves you..... you always give your best self. Very proud of you. Aunt Sherry

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Anonymous

Way to go Geena!!

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Susan Markowicz

You go girl!

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Here you go baby momo

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Brenna Mell

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Julie Mcgurk

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Genna Cohen

Congrats to you and Louis!!!

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Vidya Gogineni

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Neena Marupudi

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Neena M

You are awesome!!

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So happy to support you!!!

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Rishi Bakshi

Great idea!

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Anonymous

Go STEP away for CP!

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Jackie Luchkovitz

Get those steps in for an amazing cause! So proud of you and your continued dedication to advocate for your patients. Keep it up 🏃‍♀️🤍

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The Fillion’s

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Amanda Adlam

Get it! Get it!

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Zen Adams

Austin sent me here. I wish you great luck!

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Shawna Blackmer

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Heather Revels

Go Neena!

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Run fast. Solutions are critical

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