This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Barbara Partyka about a social media campaign supporting National Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
Residence: Scranton
Professional background: Retired purchasing agent, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s State Workers Insurance Fund
Title: Go Green ambassador and member of the United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania board of directors
Q: What inspired this event?
A: March is both National Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day being observed on Thursday, March 25. United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania was founded by families of those individuals with cerebral palsy, and over the years it has grown to support individuals with all different types of disabilities, including cerebral palsy. We increase awareness of those individuals with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities by wearing the color green on March 25. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day was started back in 2006 by a cerebral palsy advocacy group to create more awareness about (it) and to improve conditions moving forward. It took off from there across the nation, with even buildings lighting up green to show their support on that day. It’s pretty amazing.
Q: How can you participate?
A: It’s simple. Dress in green, take a photo and post it to UCP of NEPA’s social media channels, tagging #UCPNEPA #GOGREEN. It costs $0 to participate, so spread the word and help show your support for a great cause.
Q: What is UCP of NEPA’s mission?
A: UCP of NEPA’s mission is to provide opportunities and resources to children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities as they build and lead their lives in the community. We do this by providing advocacy, home and community support, and education. While the service area of each program differs, we help individuals with disabilities in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike, Bradford, Monroe, Sullivan and Luzerne counties. For over 67 years, we have remained committed to providing quality services that make a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.
Q: What are other ways to raise awareness for cerebral palsy?
A: Go Green is just one initiative we have at UCP of NEPA to help raise awareness. We have events all year round where people can volunteer and donate to help support our mission, such as our annual golf tournament and holiday gift-wrapping stand. Stay connected with UCP of NEPA on social media and check out our website, too, at ucpnepa.org for the latest information and find out how you can show your support.
Q: Why is community support important?
A: Community support is imperative to the success of this event to help raise awareness of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. It’s up to each of us to do our part and support each other in our local community. This is a perfect opportunity to show our support.
What: Go Green for United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania
When: Thursday, March 25
Details: Dress in green, take a photo and post it to UCP of NEPA’s social media channels, tagging #UCPNEPA #GOGREEN. For more information, visit ucpnepa.org/gogreen or the Facebook event page, “Go Green for UCP.” For more information, call 570-347-3357, ext. 33, or email r.baldino@ucpnepa.org.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
