If you’re a parent, caregiver, relative or friend of a child with Cerebral Palsy please read and spread the word.

The Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy is Growing. Join Us to Help Find the Answers.

EVERY child has a story. Every family has a journey.  If you are reading this now you may be on a journey that you never expected.  During the last few years, we have had the privilege of meeting families, clinicians – and especially children- with stories so inspiring and daily courage in the face of daunting odds.  This site is dedicated to all of you.  Each of you can make a difference to change the future of Cerebral Palsy.

We now know that 1 in 268 children have Cerebral Palsy.  Over 800,000 Americans are affected, along with millions of family members, caregivers and loved ones.  ”Reaching For the Stars. A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy” is committed to make a difference in the lives of children with Cerebral Palsy. We are actively supporting education and research looking for root causes, new treatments, and ultimately a cure for Cerebral Palsy.  Won’t you join us? 

In the U.S., we’ve launched several new chapters,  including Illinois, Ohio and New York – with many more on the horizon.  See our new chapter page for more information.  Globally, we’re partnered with the AACPDM on a grant from the Australian CP Institute to build and launch an international CP website portal focused on epidemiology, physician care, and advocacy effort.  We support our partnerships with the CDC, NIH and leading medical institutions to help recruit for CP clinical trials.

RFTS has a toll free phone number! Call 877-561-RFTS toll free from anywhere in the country to get information, get involved, offer a suggestion or ask a question.  You can also follow us/talk to us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reach4stars  for regular updates and more.  Don’t forget to sign up for our eLerts (see sign up form to the right) so you can receive our quarterly updates of the latest education, research and advocacy news.

Still not sure you can make a difference???  Take a look at www.crreachingforthestars.com and what one mom in Cedar Rapids, Iowa decided to do all on her own!  We’ve featured this mom, Kristi Trotter, in our brand new website feature – the RFTS Parent Spotlight.  Please take minute to read Kristi’s inspirational story….and hopefully consider sharing yours. 

Also, be sure to consider being a part of the www.cpregistry.org – a wonderful initiative undertaken by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, inconjunction with Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, La Rabida and Children’s Memorial Hospital. Please visit the website to learn more!