Mothers Light The World with Hope For Children With Cerebral Palsy

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 20, 2008 -
Mothers Light the World with Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy
                                This Holiday Season
      Goal of selling 10,000 candles by December 31st to benefit CP research

“Reaching for the Stars. A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy” (RFTS, Inc.) announced the introduction of their new “Candle of Hope” benefitting children with Cerebral Palsy across the U.S.  By introducing this 100% natural soy candle  in time for the holiday season, mothers of children with CP across the country are uniting to increase awareness of Cerebral Palsy, the most common cause of motor disability in childhood affecting over 800,000 Americans and 1 in 277 children.   Candles can be ordered by visiting www.reachingforthestars.org.

“Imagine what an impact it would make if everyone who knew a child with Cerebral Palsy bought just one candle” said Cynthia Frisina Gray, Co-Founder of “Reaching for the Stars” (www.reachingforthestars.org), and mother of a 7 year-old daughter with Cerebral Palsy. “$5 from every candle purchase goes directly into the RFTS research and education fund to help children with CP. It all starts with just one person buying a candle and telling a friend.”  Candle purchases will help to fund cutting-edge CP research, drive change through advocacy and facilitate family education to help children with cerebral palsy and their families create a future filled with hope.  RFTS, Inc. is the only nonprofit, parent-led pediatric cerebral palsy foundation in the U.S.

“Moms on a mission” like Ohio native, Pam Frank, and Atlanta resident, Wendy Sullivan are banding together to help their own children impacted by CP and others like them by spreading the word about the “Candle of Hope” project.  The RFTS “Candle of Hope” is the perfect holiday gift.  Purchasing a candle helps children with Cerebral Palsy and is an elegant, environmentally friendly gift everyone will love.   The candle is made from a renewable resource with recycled packaging materials and uses essential oils for fragrance.  Even the candle container is reusable. “What better way to give the gift of hope this holiday season than to help a child?” says Wendy Sullivan, mother of a young daughter with Cerebral Palsy active in supporting the efforts of RFTS, Inc.

“This limited edition candle will be offered through December 31, 2008 with the goal of making $50,000 that will go directly into pediatric CP research and education.  says Anna Marie Champion, Co-Founder of RFTS and also the mother of a daughter with cerebral palsy.   RFTS partnered with The Whitney Collection and mylocusonline.com to create this beautiful, hand-poured candle.  

Cerebral Palsy refers to a common group of neurological disorders that affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. CP is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture. The symptoms of CP vary from person to person. A person with severe CP might not be able to walk and might need lifelong care.  A person with mild cerebral palsy might walk a little awkwardly but not need any special help.

For more information about “Reaching for the Stars. A Foundation of Hope for Children With Cerebral Palsy”, the only parent-led national 501 c3 education, advocacy and research pediatric cerebral palsy foundation in the U.S., please visit www.reachingforthestars.org .

Media Contact:  Cynthia Frisina Gray, Co-Founder, RFTS.  Cell: 404.281.9773; email: cgray@reachingforthestars.org