SM Cares celebrates ‘World Cerebral Palsy Day’

In celebration of World Cerebral Palsy Day, SM Cares, together with SM City Rosario and the Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Family Awareness Support Group.PH Inc., raised awareness for the need for Accessible and Alternative Assistive Technology for children with Cerebral Palsy in a medical mission and forum held last 29 October 2022.

Despite the weather, 140 beneficiaries and their families attended the event to receive free assessments and casting for assistive devices through volunteers from the Philippine Association of Prosthesis and Orthosis and the Physicians for Peace.

Attendees also learned tips on the right nutrition, food preparation and available financial support from PhilHealth, while bonding over parent inspirational talks and sharing of talents. The event was supported by Jollibee, Clyde's, Tom's World, Quantum and Schneider Electric, while SM employees also donated Bears of Joy, snacks, gift items, prizes and entertainment.

"This is our third time organizing World Cerebral Palsy Day in the Philippines, and out first time partnering with SM. We are really thankful to SM Cares and SM City Rosario for accommodating us because it is really important for families like ours to reach others in the same community and help make government support for kids' rehabilitation more accessible," said Jessa Marmol, president and founder of CPEFAS PH.

Cassandra Chan, Ms. World Charity 2022 and Ms. Chinatown 2020, joined the event, continuing a yearly commitment to inspire parents in their love and dedication for their children.

Also in attendance were Dr. Penny Bundoc of the Physicians for Peace, Angelie Fajardo, Physical Therapist lead of PALMS Children Center, Rizalino Jose, head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office of Olongapo City and Rojan Abento, Hub Performance Manager at Schneider Electric.