The Paige Project
Charity in Johannesburg

By raising funds through our various activities, the Paige Project makes difference in the lives of people suffering from and caring for those with Cerebral Palsy.

The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. Even though cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later. a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia) A small number of children have cerebral palsy as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. Cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but treatment will often improve a child’s capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them. drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain\. and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers. While one child with severe cerebral palsy might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care, another with mild cerebral palsy might be only slightly awkward and require no special assistance. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world. The Paige Project is a charity organisation whose main objectives are to raise funds to benefit disadvantaged children with physical and mental disabilities (primarily caused by cerebral palsy), by supplying their family, care facilities or social workers with equipment or training courses to assist in the child’s development. Further complications have left her with moderate to severe brain damage and blindness. In August 2007 David, Paige’s uncle, arranged an event to raise funds to purchase an orthopedic chair to assist with support of her spinal structure. Based on the success of the event and the progress of Paige, it was decided to create a permanent project through which funds could be raised to benefit other children with similar conditions but more importantly to educate caregivers and equip them with the necessary tools to effectively look after these children. Each member of The Paige Project has a direct or close affiliation to children who have unfortunately been born with Cerebral Palsy. More importantly though, each of the members are close friends with one another and their families. Having spent so much time together through school and through life thereafter, an extremely close bond has thus been created through which all members wish to dedicate a great deal of their time to making a difference in the world. Paige, who is James’s daughter, is the inspiration that gave birth to The Paige Project, and together with their families, they have dedicated themselves to Paige and furthermore to the cause that is Cerebral Palsy. Due to Grant being such a big part in the Barson family, has also dedicated himself to The Paige Project not only for Paige herself but for others in similar need and more. Theo Bierman also has a close affiliation to Cerebral Palsy. Theo’s niece, who attends The New Hope School, was also born with Cerebral Palsy. Although not as severe as Paige, her Cerebral Palsy has limited her throughout life and without associations such as The Paige Project, children such as Paige, Theo’s niece Sian and many others might not have lived the life they could.