Cerebral palsy is lighting up the world
Nicole Luongo from the USA wanted to bring cerebral palsy (CP) out of the shadows and give it the public recognition it deserves. Here’s how she’s making that happen.
Nicole’s #GoGreen4CP in 2019 campaign became her labour of love. Her aim is for all 50 American states to turn a significant landmark green on either March 25, for America’s National CP Awareness Day, or October 6 for World Cerebral Palsy Day.
Within the first 30 days of the Go Green 4 CP in 2019 campaign, 30 states had confirmed their participation.
Nicole had reached more than half her target straight out the gate.
“I knew the universe supported my effort and there was a good chance I’d reach my goal,” Nicole says.
Living with CP herself, Nicole originally saw her dream as an insurmountable challenge. But every day she went to work, spending hours at a time inching closer to her goal. When the confirmations started pouring in she knew something tremendous was going to happen for the CP community.
“CP has been in the shadows for far too long,” says Nicole.
“It is the most common physical disability in childhood – affecting more than 17 million adults and children worldwide – yet it gets the least media attention,” she says.
“I wanted to do my part to change that. The fact that so many places around the United States, and in two other countries, will participate in my Go Green for CP in 2019 campaign is a game-changer for CP awareness.”
“It’s time for CP to shine in 2019. We are 17 million strong, we matter, we have value and we want to be celebrated!” says Nicole.
So far there are 103 total participants in the campaign. 101 of these participants span all 50 American states!
Now Sydney Town Hall in Australia and the High Level Bridge in Canada are joining the party.
A full list of the participants Nicole has single-handedly signed up is at: nicoleluongo.com/go-green-4-cp
Nicole’s top 3 tips
For people wanting to replicate the campaign in their country
1. Do your research
It can take a lot investigating and many tries to find the correct contact person for a particular building.
Don’t give up and make sure to follow-up!
2. Just ask
Be clear with your contact regarding what you’re asking for and why.
Remember that people are nice, and they want to help. Not everyone will say yes but my motto is: If you never ask, the answer will always be no!
3. Keep excellent records
You’ll need excellent records in order to track everything, especially follow-up emails.
“Something to keep in mind is that I’ve never done anything of this magnitude before,” says Nicole
“I’m doing it by myself and I’m thankful to anyone who send contact suggestions to me; I follow up on all of them.
“I have no formal training in marketing or public relations. If I can do it, you can too!
“The saying that one person can make a difference is true,” she says.
