Jack Tori to lead Geelong’s Steptember charge

CEREBRAL palsy advocate Jack Tori will lead the “Steptember” cause this month, encouraging people in the community to move together to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the disease.

The Grovedale resident was born with cerebral palsy, and is as motivated as ever at the age of 26 to make a difference in the world by advocating for cerebral palsy research and fundraising.

He will roll the streets of Geelong in his wheelchair throughout September, challenging himself to travel 10,000 steps a day and to use his passion for disability inclusion to drive the region towards supporting the initiative.

Every 20 hours, an Australian child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which is the most common physical disability in children.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain either during a mother’s pregnancy or shortly after the child’s birth.

The disease directly affects a person’s movement and posture for the rest of their life, which is why Mr Tori wants to promote the need for participants to be passionate about being healthy and building a more inclusive world by making a life changing impact for someone living with cerebral palsy.

“We are encouraging everyone to move this Steptember, however that is it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“People can go swimming, they can go bowling, they can go for a walk, they can even dance, just as long as you are moving!

“Steptember is about what each person can do to help and moving together, whether you can do the walking or not everyone can still be involved.”

Mr Tori will be leading the charge for Liberty Disability Services during the month and said the team had already raised a huge sum of money in its first week of fundraising.

“When I said to Liberty Disability Services that we should do a fundraiser for Steptember, they were very supportive, and it feels great to be the poster boy for the campaign in its second year.

“We are already up at almost $2500 which is absolutely great and we hope to continue building on that figure as the month goes.

“Every dollar counts, no matter how small or large, everything matters, and it will help so many people.”

He said he enjoyed dancing and bowling to get his exercise during the month, and liked going out on his wheelchair and seeing the community, which was great for his mental health.

Steptember fundraising will directly support a variety of cerebral palsy treatment initiatives including helping to identify babies at risk, providing essential research into early detection and diagnosis of the disease, being able to provide telepractice for a patient, while also assisting with rural and regional therapy centres and youth programs.

Jack and the Liberty Disability Services team will be running a big community barbecue and walk/roll event on September 30 at Geelong’s Eastern Beach.

To register a team for the event or to alternatively join “Team Jacks Liberty Legends” for the Steptember Walk and Roll, head to steptember.org.au/register/au