March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cerebral palsy (CP), celebrating those who live with it, and advocating for better support and research. As someone personally touched by CP, I find this month incredibly meaningful. My son, Lincoln, was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy at age one, and our journey has been one of challenges, triumphs, and a deepened appreciation for the strength found in our community. This month, marked by the vibrant color green and the #GoGreen4CP movement, encourages us all to learn more about CP—a neurological condition affecting movement and muscle tone—and to push for inclusivity in education, healthcare, and beyond.
For me, the #GoGreen4CP movement is more than just a campaign; it’s a reflection of our daily life. Lincoln’s form of CP is the most severe form of spastic CP and affects all four limbs, the trunk, and the face, making mobility a hurdle, but his determination shines through every step he takes with his walker or pedal on his adaptive bike. I’ve written about this before in my work here at EXAIR, where I’m fortunate to have a platform that allows me to share personal stories like ours. CP affects over 1 million people in the U.S., with around 10,000 new diagnoses each year, often due to brain development issues or injuries before, during, or shortly after birth. This month, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come—thanks to therapy and support—and how much more we need, like increased research funding, which groups like the Cerebral Palsy Foundation tirelessly advocate for.
Speaking of EXAIR, February holds its own significance for us here at EXAR with Founders’ Day on February 21st each year. It’s a day to celebrate the vision of our company’s founders, who built a culture of innovation and community that I’m proud to be part of. This year, as we marked Founders’ Day just a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but connect it to the spirit of resilience my family and so many others honor in March. At EXAIR, we design engineered solutions to solve problems, much like the adaptive tools and therapies that help Lincoln navigate his world. The overlap of these two moments—Founders’ Day and CP Awareness Month—reminds me how a supportive workplace and a passionate community can intersect to make a real difference.
So, how can you get involved this March? Wear green to spark conversations, share stories on social media with #GoGreen4CP, or donate to organizations driving CP research and support like the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. For my family, it’s also a chance to thank those who’ve walked alongside us—therapists, nurses, friends, and even my EXAIR colleagues who’ve cheered Lincoln on. National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month isn’t just about awareness; it’s about action and connection. As Lincoln and our family continue this journey, I hope you’ll join us in shining a light on CP, not just this month, but every day.
Be kind and love one another!
Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer
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Image courtesy of The Cerebral Palsy Foundation
