STEPtember 2025: Move With Purpose for Cerebral Palsy

Each September, people across the world commit to getting active in their own way, including walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, or rolling in their wheelchairs.

What began in Australia has grown into a global movement that raises awareness and funds for cerebral palsy (CP). The challenge represents the energy it takes to live with CP, while supporting research and programs that make a difference to families affected by the condition.

STEPtember 2025 marks 10 years of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) leading this challenge in the United States.

This year, CPARF is marking its milestone with its biggest, boldest STEPtember yet. New features include a refreshed website, weekly challenges with incentives, and engagement opportunities all month long.

STEPtember 2025 gives both longtime supporters and first-time participants a chance to move with purpose and stand with families impacted by CP.

What Is STEPtember​?

STEPtember is a global fitness and fundraising campaign that takes place every September to support people with all types of cerebral palsy.

It was created by Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia and is now led in the United States by CPARF, with partner organizations running campaigns worldwide.

Participants aim for the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day, but the event is designed to be inclusive. More than 80 activities count toward daily goals, including swimming, dancing, yoga, and wheelchair rolling.

The purpose of STEPtember is to raise awareness about the extra energy people with CP often use each day and to generate donations that fund research, assistive technology, and services for families.

The Impact of STEPtember

The money raised through STEPtember gives CPARF the resources to fund real change. These efforts include medical studies, new technology, and programs that support families.

One recent project focused on pain in people living with CP. Doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are leading a study to create a clear standard for how pain is identified and treated. This work could help adults with CP across the country get the care they need.

Technology is another area where donations are making an impact. CPARF’s accelerator program supports new devices that increase independence.

For example, a young boy who uses a wheelchair can now open his own back door with the push of a button, allowing him freedom to play safely while giving his mom peace of mind.

From medical research to accessible technology, every step and every donation helps create opportunities and improve daily life for people with CP.

How Does STEPtember Work​?

STEPtember is simple to join and flexible enough that anyone can participate at any time in September. The campaign is designed to keep people moving, raise awareness, and collect donations that benefit cerebral palsy research and support programs.

Here’s how the STEPtember challenge​ works:

• Register online through CPARF as an individual, with a team, or through your workplace.
• Pick your activities from more than 80 options that convert into daily steps, including walking, swimming, yoga, wheelchair workouts, or even physical therapy.
• Log your movement using the STEPtember website or app. You can also connect a fitness device to track your activity automatically.
• Fundraise as you go by sharing your personal or team page with friends, family, and colleagues who can donate in support of your challenge.
• Join anytime in September. Even if you start late, your participation still counts, and you can log steps through the end of the month.
• See your impact grow as the funds you raise go toward CP research, assistive technology, and services for families affected by cerebral palsy.

This model makes STEPtember accessible to everyone and ensures every participant can contribute in a way that works best for them.

Join the STEPtember Challenge​

At the Cerebral Palsy Guide, we support STEPtember because it builds community, raises awareness of cerebral palsy, and directs funds toward research and services that help improve lives.

Families, friends, and workplaces across the country take part each year, showing that small daily actions can add up to lasting impact.

By joining the challenge, you can stand with families affected by CP and be part of a global effort to break barriers and build a stronger future.

For families whose child’s condition may be linked to complications at birth, our team can be an additional resource. Call us at (855) 220-1101 to learn how we may be able to help.

Written by:Cerebral Palsy Guide

Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness