Cynthia Frisina Gray, Co-Founder of RFTS, Inc., the only nonprofit national pediatric cerebral palsy foundation led by parents, co-authored an article entitled "Parent-Professional Partnership"
Rehabilitation management of children with cerebral palsy (CP) brings together parents and doctors. The primary goal of the contact is to improve the individual child's potential and to improve the child's functional outcomes. Frequently, parents are interested in not just their own child, but the population of children with cerebral palsy. Physicians can provide information for both purposes.
Successful parent–professional relationships are rewarding and powerful. Combining the passion of the parent and the expertise of the physician can enhance collaboration for advocacy efforts that improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy. An increasingly important component in the parent–medical collaboration is the identification of networks of local and national support for families of children with cerebral palsy like "Reaching For The Stars. A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy" www.reachingforthestars.org.
Fortunately, parents and organizations focused on children with cerebral palsy are seeing the necessity for collaboration to build community awareness, implement education programs, and spearhead pediatric cerebral palsy advocacy on a nationwide basis.
"As a mother I've learned ultimately the primary advocate for any child, especially a child with challenges, is going to be that child's parents", explains Cynthia Frisina Gray, Co-Founder of RFTS, Inc. "Knowing where to turn and how to work with medical professionals to make a difference for kids with cerebral palsy is important so it was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Deborah Gaebler-Spira, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, on the Parent-Professional Partnership"
