Philanthropist Finds a Cause in Cerebral Palsy
Noted economist and philanthropist Paul Volcker is trying to raise awareness of cerebral palsy, a condition that he says has never gained great popularity with the charitable community. Volcker’s son has mild cerebral palsy, and he’s long been involved with the cause.
But his involvement gained momentum in 1988 when he began working with the United Cerebral Palsy Research Education Foundation (now called the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation). Volcker eventually became chairman of the organization, which raises money for and encourages cerebral palsy research.
Current research, Volcker says, is promising, particularly in the Middle East where doctors are cooperating in their efforts. He also says there’s a potential breakthrough in the area of robotics, which has been looked at as a possible cerebral palsy treatment.
Still, Volcker maintains that new areas of research are needed for finding ways to prevent and deal with cerebral palsy, a condition that is diagnosed in approximately 10,000 to 12,000 infants and children in the U.S. each year.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about cerebral palsy research or who would like to make a donation are encouraged to visit the CPIRF website.
