Celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day 2026

Families are not just recipients of research; they are partners in building knowledge that can support future generations. Read below about one family’s experience in participating in the CP-NET research study. 

For one Grandview Kids family, their journey with cerebral palsy began with questions, uncertainty and a desire to understand how best to support their daughter. Born prematurely at seven months as the younger of twins, she began showing developmental delays as her twin sister reached age-appropriate milestones. Although her parents have backgrounds in healthcare and technology, they shared that they were unfamiliar with cerebral palsy and did not initially expect a diagnosis. As the months passed and milestones continued to be delayed, the family sought answers.  

At this time, they had relocated to India. At two years old, their daughter underwent diagnostic testing and MRI imaging, which identified a brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy. Their family’s journey has since included Physiotherapy, ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs), specialized equipment and connecting with supports at Grandview Kids after returning to Canada. Through these experiences, they came to appreciate the importance of accessible information, specialized care and connection with other families. “We wanted to understand more and make sure we were doing everything we could to support her,” the family shared. 

Their introduction to the CP-NET Research Study at Grandview Kids provided an opportunity to turn their experiences into something that could help others. After meeting a member of the Research team, the family saw participation as a way to contribute to a growing body of knowledge about cerebral palsy while also connecting with other families on a similar journey. “Knowledge sharing comes from both sides – it’s give and take to help for the future,” one parent explained. They described their experience with the Research team as welcoming and supportive, and valued being part of a community where families can learn from one another. “We are all on the same journey, and no one should feel these kinds of problems alone.”  

For this family, participating in CP-NET is about more than contributing information to a research study – it is about helping build a stronger foundation of knowledge and support for their daughter and for future generations of children with cerebral palsy. On World Cerebral Palsy Day, their experience reminds us of the important role families play in research and the power of coming together to create a more informed and inclusive future.