“The Unexpected” launched to coincide with world CP Day

A book that chronicles a mother’s inspiring journey with her four year old daughter with cerebral palsy was launched over the weekend to coincide with the celebration of World Cerebral Palsy day.

Adwoa Okorewaa reading a portion of her book

The book titled: “The Unexpected” authored by Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Initiator of the Special Mothers Project, with a pen name: Adwoa Okorewaa serves to empower especially parents of a child with cerebral palsy to engage in effective advocacy.

It is also expected to help people have a positive attitude towards life.

Adwoa Okorewaa, author of the book who read a portion of the book to a crowd, said she got inspired to write based on the fact that there was very little awareness on cerebral palsy and how it affected family life.

“Most of the time, parents struggle alone with their children who have cerebral palsy, some get frustrated to the point of killing their own children or wishing them dead,” she said

Okorewaa said she started the Special Mothers Project to serve as a platform that provided encouragement and hope to parents of children with cerebral palsy.

The Special Mothers project also serves to link especially mothers to the limited support services available in Ghana

Mrs Awadzi said she will soon come out with points of sale where the book could be purchased but in the meantime, those who wish to buy a copy of the book should contact her through her Facebook page “Special Mothers Project in Ghana “or look for Hannah Awadzi on Facebook in addition to reaching her via whatsapp only on 0244547980

She said she is also available to speak to groups, corporate organizations, churches and others

Some members of Special Mums Group in a pose with the Member of parliament for the area, Zanetor Rawlings

organizations about cerebral palsy and use it as an opportunity to sell autographed copies.

Rev. Emmanuel Adjetey- Quaye, Youth Coordinator of the Ga Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church who launched the book, said “The Unexpected” is a must-read not only for parents of special needs children but for everybody.

“I have read the book over and over again and each time I read I get inspired,” he said.

The Unexpected is a 33page book with eight chapters that will serve as an inspiration to every human being on this planet earth.

The first copy of the book was bought at 500 cedis by Mr. John Majiti, Member of Parliament for Krachi Nchumuru. Ms Zanetor Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Osu Klottey also bought a copy for 500 cedis. The retail price of the book is 20 cedis

Ghana joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy day on 6^th October. The day was characterized with activities including the book launch, a forum, and series of media interviews.

For the first time in the history of Ghana various organizations including the Special Mothers Project, Presbyterian Inclusive Child Development Programme, SWEB Foundation, CP Awareness, Ghana, Sharecare,Ghana, Multikids Foundation and individuals with  a passion for disability issues came under one umbrella “Cerebral Palsy Network, Ghana” to celebrate the day.

World cerebral palsy day is celebrated on the 6^th October, every year to celebrate the lives of persons living with cerebral palsy and their care givers.

This year’s celebration was on the theme:  “Inclusion Now – We Move together.”