March 01, 2024 | Tags:
Winter holidays are filled with joy and excitement, so why not create a summer version that benefits Northeast Ohioans with disabilities and their families?
The Ultimate Christmas in July Challenge
First presented by Medical Mutual in 2022, the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater Cleveland’s Ultimate Christmas in July Challenge is a unique, inclusive and adaptive-centric event for children and adults who typically lack access to recreational activities.
For 28-year-old Mark, a UCP client since age 10, the Ultimate Christmas in July Challenge meant more than just enjoying accessible games and relays; it meant his entire family, including his young nieces, could participate alongside him. The family team called themselves Mark’s Rockin’ Reindeer, and they happily endured rain showers to show their love and support for Mark. They also wanted to honor the positive impact UCP has had on Mark’s whole family.
The UCP's Mission
Mark is proof that UCP’s mission to empower children and adults with disabilities works. Throughout his day program, Mark interacts with caretakers and staff to discuss career planning, take in cooking classes, stay active with Tai-Chi, visit local attractions and farmers markets and, most importantly, spend time with his friends, many of whom he met at UCP over the years.
Serving nearly 1,500 children and adults each year, UCP is equipped to help people with a broad range of disabilities, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, spina bifida and spinal cord injury.
Learn More
To learn more about the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland visit https://www.ucpcleveland.org/ or download and explore the latest Community Report to read more stories like this.