Do any of us really know what it’s like to walk in someone’s shoes who has CP? Probably not, but according to orthopedic surgeons it’s like putting a 100-pound cinder block on each leg and walking. That’s why the Make Lemon Aide Foundation is challenging Western New York to experience what it feels like to have cerebral palsy with the CP Challenge.
“Walking is such a simple action that I think so many people take for granted,” said Lauren Walier, founder of the Make Lemon Aide Foundation. “When I walk, I get tired and overheated quicker because my body has to use more energy. By wearing the ankle weights, you can understand to a very minimal extent what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone with CP.”
The CP Challenge coincides with the upcoming Walk/Run/Roll in Lauren’s Shoes 5K and 1 Mile Honorary CP Walk, an event on June 9 at Outer Harbor Buffalo that raises funds to bring advanced treatment of cerebral palsy to WNY and brings the CP community together to celebrate them and let them know they aren’t alone.
So how do you take on this challenge?
Take a photo of yourself wearing ankle weights and post it on social media using #CPChallenge and tag the Make Lemon Aide Foundation. Facebook: Make Lemon Aide For Cerebral Palsy, Twitter: @LemonAideForCP and Instagram: make_lemon_aide_for_cp.
It’s that easy! You can also encourage your family and friends to try walking with the ankle weights at the upcoming Walk/Run/Roll in Lauren’s Shoes 5K and 1Mile!
Here’s a link to learn more: www.makelemonaide.org/walk-run-roll-in-laurens-shoes
