What is Cerebral Palsy

Mr. and Mrs. Galea,

Mary Lou Bingham forwarded to me the invitation to this event. I hope you have a wonderful evening and are successful in attaining your goal. Although Chase has cerebral palsy and a hearing impairment as a consequence of his extreme prematurity experience, he also has the very good fortune to have determined, proactive parents dedicated to providing him with every opportunity to reach his potential.

While our scientific knowledge and technology have advanced incredibly and we are learning more about the capacity of the brain to adapt and regenerate, we still have much to learn. The persistence of committed parents such as you to advocate for children and pursue all reasonable avenues of intervention may be just the catalyst needed for further research and new understanding.

In Ecuador there is a term used by village chiefs - "minga" which is a call to action. When the chief calls out for a minga, all the villagers stop whatever they are doing to come help provide a collective effort. You are no doubt familiar with the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child". It sounds like your family and friends are very supportive and I wish you and Chase well both tonight at your "minga" and in the future. He is a delightful, happy, child who most certainly and most importantly, must know he is dearly loved. I am happy to have been able to help in his care.

Take care,

The Credit Valley Hospital