“Life without limits” is the goal of United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan (UCP Michigan), a non-profit disability advocacy organization.

Anthony is a little boy with cerebral palsy who doesn’t have speech. When he was 5, his parents wanted him to have a Dynamyte, a machine that would speak for him electronically, so he could use it in kindergarten. UCP Michigan helped him get the device, and Anthony went off to kindergarten with his twin brother.

UCP Michigan believes that every person with a disability has a right to be a full member of his or her community. People with disabilities often use Assistive Technology to help them navigate their daily lives. Assistive Technology is "any piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities."

UCP Michigan is using the Grand Rapids Marathon to raise money to expand an existing resource program. The money will be used to provide assistive technology for individuals with cerebral palsy who cannot otherwise afford it. The money raised through the marathon will benefit individuals with cerebral palsy by providing ramps so that they can independently go in and out of their homes. For kids, this means they will be able to go outside and play with their friends, go to school, or just be kids. For adults with cerebral palsy, this means they will be able to go to work, school, or church independently.

You can help us build this program by becoming a fundraiser for us or donating to us today!

• If you'd like to become a fundraiser, click on Become a Fundraiser and then click "Fundraise as an Individual." This will allow you to create your own fundraising page.

• If you'd like to donate to individual fundraisers, you can select your fundraiser above and use the donation box on their page to donate.

• You can also donate directly to UCP Michigan by typing your donation amount in the box above and clicking on "continue."

Check out our website, www.ucpmichigan.org to find out more about UCP Michigan.