You are invited to be a part of the first ever “Reaching for the Stars. A Foundation of HOPE for Children with Cerebral Palsy” Cookbook that we are naming ”Cooking For A Cure”.

We are hoping with everyone’s help we can make a fabulous first cookbook with collections of recipes from all over the country. We’re looking for recipes in all categories  – from main dish to desserts,  after dinner drinks to your favorite kiddo’s dish. Feel free to send as many recipes as you would like! The person that sends in the most original recipes in each category will be awarded a free cookbook!

Ideas to think about when deciding on a recipe:
-       You could send in a region-specific recipe. (for example, I live in GA  and could send in a peach or vidalia onion recipe) 
-       We would love to have families submit dairy free and gluten free recipes if they have them.
-       Pick your family favorites!

Please email or mail your favorite recipes and include your name, city and state. Also, please include how your life is affected with CP (if you have a child, grandchild, friend, or neighbor).  You can even dedicate your recipe to someone.

If you would like to tell us your story, and send one picture, we may feature it in the cookbook.

Forward your recipes to achampion@reachingforthestars.org , or mail them to 3995 Copper Leaf Lane, Cumming GA 30040 Attn: Anna Marie Champion by Friday August 6, 2010 to be included in the cookbook. If you have any questions call 877-561-RFTS.

All proceeds will go to RFTS, Inc. and into finding a cure for CP.   We are looking forward to getting all your recipes!

Welcome to the RFTS “Parent Spotlight”. This is a new feature on our website and one that we hope will inspire and move you.  We are all on this journey together. Every couple of months we will feature a different family, child or parent who wants to share their story about their CP journey.  If you would like to be included or know someone who should, please contact us and let us know.  You might be featured in our next  “Parent Spotlight”!

Our first-ever parent spotlight features Kristi Trotter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kristi is an amazing wife and mother of three children.  Here is her story in her own words.  Prepare to be inspired!

Read More

RFTS partners with the CDC to increase awareness of CP in many ways. Check out our new podcast and the new Cerebral Palsy feature on the CDC website!

Read More

“Reaching For The Stars” recently issued a press release about the recent CDC CP prevalence numbers published in the March issue of Pediatrics Magazine. Please click here to view the press release and related documents.

RFTS is embarking on several exciting new pediatric CP research projects with leading medical professionals and scientists around the country. We are involved with the NIH, CDC, AACPDM and are actively investigating various stem cell therapies and what might hold promise for children with CP. Read More

We wanted to give you an update regarding our legislative and advocacy efforts. We’re continuing to do as much as we can to impact federal funding for national Cerebral Palsy research. We can’t do it without you though. The more parents who speak up to their national lawmakers, the faster and more responsive they will be. We continue to advocate for federally funded, national Cerebral Palsy surveillance and epidemiological research to be conducted by the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention).  Please Click Here to see exactly what we’re recommending in terms of research and funding.

Important Documents

RFTS Testimony RFTS Fact Sheet

Letters of Support for RFTS

United Cerebral Palsy Foundation AACPDM Child Neurology Society

All national lawmakers emphasized the importance of parents raising their voices, writing letters to their Congressmen, Congresswomen, Senators and the President expressing how important it is to have national Cerebral Palsy research come to the foreground of national medical research and surveillance being conducted. The more letters, phone calls, emails and faxes that are sent now during this critical budget time, the better chance we have to all make a difference.

If you are interested in more information please call us at the phone number listed on our Contact Us page, reach us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reach4stars or email us. We would love to have more families involved. There are many ways you can help.

It’s not too late to add your voice. We can’t afford to be silent. We need to continue to speak up and let our national lawmakers know why we need more federally funded, national cerebral palsy research. We encourage you to use the main points in our Fact Sheet to your Senators and Congressmen. One person really can make a difference!

Your faxes and emails really do make a difference. Please let your voices be heard.

Why might you want to follow up with a phone call? There are thousands of new bills being introduced in Congress. There simply is not the time to review in detail all of these bills. There are hundreds (if not more than 1,000) health care related bills introduced in the Congress every year and a member usually has only one staffer partially dedicated to working on health care issues. National lawmakers need to know that CP research is important as they are making their funding decisions. Tell them that it is.

Please join us on our journey of hope and change. Thank you!

Reaching For The Stars. A Foundation Of Hope For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Advocacy in Action Committee