10,000 Steps a Day for My Son — and for the Future of CP Research
This September, I'm lacing up my sneakers and pledging 10,000 steps a day for someone who inspires me every single day — my son Zach. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he’s taken life head-on with grit, humor, and a sense of adventure. Despite needing a power wheelchair to get around, that hasn't stopped him from earning his Eagle Scout rank, rocking out at EDM concerts across Madison and Chicago (he’s a huge Alan Walker, Zedd, and Illenium fan), and living independently while earning his computer science degree. Today, he works at Epic as a software developer — and yes, I’m lucky enough to call him both my son and coworker!
I’m walking to celebrate how far he’s come — and to help pave the way for future breakthroughs in CP research and assistive technology that can make life even more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for people like him.
🧠 Why STEPtember Matters
Cerebral Palsy affects 18 million people around the world, yet it remains one of the most underfunded areas of medical research. The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) is changing that. They invest in life-changing research and cutting-edge assistive technology that helps people with disabilities live more independently, manage chronic pain without opioids, and fully participate in work, school, and community life.
Through initiatives like their tech accelerator, Remarkable US, CPARF is helping to create innovative tools that improve lives — not just for people with CP, but for aging populations, people with other disabilities, and really, society as a whole.
💚 How You Can Help
Your donation supports research and tech that makes a real, lasting difference. Together, we can build a more inclusive world where everyone — no matter their mobility, ability, or circumstances — has the tools to thrive.
Thank you for stepping up with me this STEPtember!
Amount raised for cerebral palsy and beyond
My Steps
Steps
112,852
My goal
300,000
Thank you to my supporters
$106
Kate Siefert
$53
Tom Yosick
$53
Craig Crutcher
$53
Jill Siefert
$53
Joe Mcguire
$53
Kirkland & Ellis Matched
Your donation has been matched by Kirkland & Ellis! We are proud to join you in raising funds for research and technology innovation.
$53
Chris
$52
Cheryl Bourne
$52
Kirkland & Ellis Matched
Your donation has been matched by Kirkland & Ellis! We are proud to join you in raising funds for research and technology innovation.
$50
Bonnie Gee Yosick
Go Tom!
$50
Meg Bohse
$26
Jessica Debolt
$26
Kirkland & Ellis Matched
Your donation has been matched by Kirkland & Ellis! We are proud to join you in raising funds for research and technology innovation.
$26
Carter Lux
Awesome challenge - good luck on this great cause.
$26
Kirkland & Ellis Matched
Your donation has been matched by Kirkland & Ellis! We are proud to join you in raising funds for research and technology innovation.
Proud of you…. You’ve inspired me to get out and walk more in September