Parents Hold Fund Raiser for Son with Cerebral Palsy

Cody Smith is a 16 year old with cerebral palsy. He is similar to other kids his age, in that he likes to hang out with friends and hopes to have his own car someday.

Cody has a hard time getting around and uses his forearm canes to walk. He also rides a mobility scooter. However, he would love to trade it in for a car.

"This will let me be able to go places with my friends. I can be more normal. The scooter is not too cool."

At the end of this month, a fund raiser will be held for him at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheater to help him realize his dream. The money raised will help Cody get a reliable vehicle, hand controls, driving lessons and insurance.

Cody is a junior at Jefferson High School and participates in a work/study program.

"I want to be a veterinarian someday," he says.

Cody's mother says that he gets frustrated at his cerebral palsy. She wants him to be able to do the things that normal teenagers do.

Cody's cerebral palsy is the result of being born 12 weeks prematurely. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was only 9 months old. He's already been through a dozen surgeries starting at age 2 and faces at least one more.

His family lives on a tight budget because of medical expenses and he was reluctant at first to ask for help from the public.

However, Cody's parents have decided that this fund raiser will be more than one for Cody's benefit. They plan on turning it into an annual fund raiser for other kids with cerebral palsy.

For more information about cerebral palsy, visit http://www.ucp.org/