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Life Without Limitsfor children with disabilities

mission.To help children with disabilities reach their full potential, improve the quality of life for their families, and foster an attitude of acceptance and inclusion.

vision.A Life Without Limits for children with disabilities.

values.��5HVXOWV�RULHQWHG ��5HVSRQVLEOH�VWHZDUGV ��)DPLO\�IRFXVHG��&DULQJ��5HVSRQVLYH

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County Therapists Participate in Cortical Visual Impairment Training

The Therapy Team at United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC) made a clinical HGXFDWLRQDO�OHDS�IRUZDUG�ZLWK�VLJQL¿FDQW�VXSSRUW�from Abbott Medical Optics by participating in a unique therapeutic training for Cortical Visual Impairment. The training led by the renowned Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy prepared our therapists for the launch of United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County’s collaborative research initiative with the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC Irvine. The project, led in part by Principal Investigator Dr. Jennifer Simpson, is to better understand, serve and care for

children with or at risk for Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) associated with cerebral palsy.

Author and expert, Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy states that CVI is a “visual impairment that occurs because of brain damage…[visual impairment] exists not in the structures of the eye or optic nerve, but in the visual processing centers and visual pathways of the brain.”*

The training followed Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy’s CVI presentation to CHOC Children’s physicians and nurses at CHOC’s Grand Rounds the day prior.

Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy is the Director of The Pediatric View Program at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and serves as Project Leader of the CVI Project at The American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, KY. Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy serves as Project &RQVXOWDQW�7UDLQHU�WR�WZR�¿YH�\HDU�PXOWL�VWDWH�CVI-mentor training projects. She has lectured extensively around the world regarding the CVI educational materials she has developed.

Dr. Jennifer Simpson is a Professor in the Ophthalmology School of Medicine at UC Irvine and a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.

Connections | FALL 2012

1

Led by: Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy

(Story continued on Page 2)

in this issue...CVI Announcement .....................An Update from our CEO ...........Ana Reyes 25th Anniversary ......Dana Dowers ..............................18th Annual Golf Tournament .....Life Without Limits Gala 2012 ....Special Gifts ...............................Ironman Send Off .......................Child of the Month ......................Ralphs Rewards .........................

1223345566

Dr. Jennifer Simpson, UCP-OC CEO Cathleen Collins and Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy

UCP-OC Therapy Team and Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy

Special Gifts

Recent Events

Also, in this issue...

Child of the M

onth

A group of United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County advocates joined Dr.Christine Roman-Lantzy at a luncheon hosted by Dr. Jennifer 6LPSVRQ�WR�OHDUQ�PRUH�DERXW�&9,�DQG�KRZ�WR�VXSSRUW�WKLV���¿UVW�RI�LWV�NLQG�UHVHDUFK�program - on the West Coast. The UCP-OC Cortical Visual Impairment Early Intervention Program anticipated for Spring 2013 will improve the diagnosis and rehabilitation of infants at risk for vision complications associated with cerebral palsy as well as premature infants at risk for CVI and decreased central vision resulting from prematurity.

*Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy is the author of the CVI industry textbook “Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention.”

An Update from our CEO

Thank you for your support of United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC). Through your generosity we were able to raise more than �����PLOOLRQ�WKLV�SDVW�¿VFDO�year. With your support we added new services and programs in the following areas:

This past April we marked our most successful Life Without Limits Gala to date, with net proceeds of more than $425,000! This memorable evening, honoring James V. Mazzo, President of Abbott Medical Optics, brought together 370 guests to see life through the eyes of a child. The event also announced our Cortical Visual Impairment Early Intervention 3URJUDP�LQ�DI¿OLDWLRQ�ZLWK�7KH�*DYLQ�+HUEHUW�(\H�,QVWLWXWH�DW�UC Irvine and Abbott Medical Optics. Please make sure to save the date for our next Life Without Limits Gala scheduled for May 18, 2013.

Our 18th Annual Autumn Golf Classic and The Brianna Cup is set for Monday, October 22nd at the Santa Ana Country Club. A popular sell-out each year, this event is chaired by Scott Pievac CEO of SPC Retail Display Group. Tournament Founder Dana Dowers, of DLD Insurance Brokers is once again this year’s Hole-in-One Presenting 6SRQVRU��)RXUVRPHV�DUH�TXLFNO\�¿OOLQJ�XS��EXW�WKHUH�LV�VWLOO�time to register at www.ucp-oc.org. We hope you will join us!

UCP-OC has nearly 150 dedicated employees that work throughout the community. This year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Ana Reyes, our dedicated Early Intervention Specialist. As an organization we are very grateful for her commitment to our children and for the lasting impact she has on the lives of our families. Thank you Ana for your dedication, hard work and caring heart.

I invite you to join us in our mission to serve nearly 4,000 children and families who need UCP-OC’s programs and services so their child may live a Life Without Limits. Please consider a gift to UCP-OC today and make a difference in the life of a child.

A new innovative program to serve children at risk for CVI

Enhancements to our services in Therapy, Respite and Inclusive Childcare

Launch of the popular “Friday Night Club”

Clinical Education Programs for our professional community

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Cathleen Collins&KLHI�([HFXWLYH�2I¿FHU

CVI Announcement

Ana Reyes 25th Anniversary with UCP-OCAna Reyes, a UCP-OC Early Intervention Specialist and class instructor for our “Let’s Grow” class at our Life Without Limits Therapy Center in Irvine, celebrated her 25th Anniversary with United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County! Working at UCP-OC is far greater than just a job for all of us, but Ana has made it her life. Her dedication and loyalty to our families is unrivaled, and we are very grateful for her commitment. For the past

25 years Ana has impacted the lives of more than 2,500 families and helped these children each live a Life Without Limits. “Our daughter Elizabeth would not be

where she is today if she didn’t have Ana. We are so grateful for her! She has

opened our eyes to the abilities Bethie has, and she is able to do much more

than I thought!” – Denette, Elizabeth’s mother

Ana says that UCP-OC to her is “...a safe

place leading families through the journey

of their child’s life. It is a place where

they, together with me, experience hope,

support, education, challenges and

ultimately happiness and love. I am a

part of creating this hope and love, and

creating opportunites so that their child

can live a Life Without Limits. Due to all

the experiences I have encountered through the years with our families,

therapists and administrators, it has made me the person that I am today.”

“Thank you Ana for all you give to UCP-OC. We are very grateful you have called our organization home for the past 25 years, where your passion for your work shines.” – UCP-OC Team

(continued from front page)

From left to right: Scott Pievac, Jim Corbett, Cathleen Collins, Steve Chesterman, Dana

Dowers and Dr. Jennifer Simpson

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A Very Special Thank You to All of our Sponsors

Dana Dowers: Philanthropist, Golfer and Community LeaderDana Dowers, CEO of DLD Insurance Brokers Inc., has been actively involved with United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County (UCP-OC) for more than 20 years. He was originally introduced to UCP-OC by his good friend Chris Dubia. Together, they initiated the idea of starting a Golf Tournament which would bring in monetary support for UCP-OC. Today, the Golf Tournament is one of UCP-OC’s major fundraising events and has raised nearly $2 million since its inception. It was three years ago that Dana joined forces with Scott Pievac who combined his Brianna Cup tournament with UCP-OC’s Life Without Limits golf tournament to make a greater community impact. DLD Insurance Brokers ,QF��LV�WKH�IRXQGLQJ�VSRQVRU�DQG�JHQHURXVO\�FRQWLQXHV�WR�¿QDQFLDOO\�VXSSRUW�WKH�WRXUQDPHQW��

Dana’s heartfelt passion for the special needs community spurred at an early age with his experiences with a classmate who had cerebral palsy. He was truly moved when he saw how far his assistance helped in making an impact in his classmate’s daily life. ³/LIH�LV�LQFUHGLEO\�GLI¿FXOW�IRU�IDPLOLHV�RI�FKLOGUHQ�ZLWK�GLVDELOLWLHV�DQG�,�RQO\�KRSH�WKDW�P\�VXSSRUW�ZLOO�LPSDFW�WKHLU�TXDOLW\�RI�OLIH�DQG�VHUYH�DV�LQVSLUDWLRQ�IRU�other individuals and businesses to get involved,” says Dowers.

Additionally, years later Dana’s friendship with Chris Dubia’s son, Brian, allowed him to see how a life without limits is not only possible but can lead to VHOI�VXI¿FLHQF\�LQ�DGXOWKRRG�LI�VXSSRUWHG�WKURXJK�WKH�programs and services that UCP-OC is providing in the community.

³,�DP�HQFRXUDJHG�E\�WKH�¿VFDO�UHVSRQVLELOLW\�RI�8&3�OC, as well as Cathy Collins’ leadership which is a tell tale sign of where we are headed in the future. In a time where many organizations are struggling, UCP-OC is coming up with innovative programs, such as their vision program, and making a tangible difference in the lives of children with special needs.”

Dana has many memories from the past 17 years of the Golf Tournament, however his favorite memories come at the end of the day when the tournament is over. “After every tournament I leave with the overwhelming knowledge that DLD’s support helped make a difference in the life of a child with disabilities. That’s pretty priceless!” says Dowers.

Hole-in-One

Life Without LimitsAUTUMN Golf Classic

18th AnnualPresenting Sponsor:

a n t a A n aC O U N T R Y C L U B

M O N D AY, O C TO B E R 2 2 n d , 2 0 1 28AM 10:30AM

SFor more information contact Robin Walker

rwalker@ucp-oc.org or 949.333.6401

3Grant Beresford

Par

Eagle

David Ball

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITSGala

S AV E T H E D AT ES AT U R D AY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 3B A L B O A B AY C L U B

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Tickets $250Sponsorship Opportunities available

contact: Robin Walker (949) 333-6401 or rwalker@ucp-oc.org

Thank you to our 2012 Gala Life Without Limits Lead Sponsors

Life Without Limits Gala 2012 - through the eyes of a child

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County’s Life Without Limits Gala was a major success with 370 guests and net proceeds of over $425,000. Held on April 28 at the Balboa Bay Club, the beautiful black tie gala honored James V. Mazzo, President of Abbott Medical Optics with the Impact Award for his community leadership and ongoing support of families of children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

We thank James V. Mazzo for his leadership and Abbott Medical Optics for their support of our collaborative efforts to bring about the United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County’s Cortical Vision ,PSDLUPHQW�(DUO\�,QWHUYHQWLRQ�3URJUDP�LQ�DI¿OLDWLRQ�ZLWK�7KH�*DYLQ�+HUEHUW�(\H�,QVWLWXWH�DW�8&�,UYLQH�that will improve the diagnosis and rehabilitation of infants at risk for vision complications, scheduled to RSHQ�������$W�WKH�HYHQW�8&3�2&�WRRN�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�DQQRXQFH�RXU�QHZ�UHVHDUFK�SURJUDP��WKH�¿UVW�RI�its kind on the West Coast largely supported by Abbott Medical Optics aligning with their vision and mission of “Vision. For life.”

7KH�JDOD�WKHPH��WKURXJK�WKH�H\HV�RI�FKLOG��ZDV�UHÀHFWHG�E\�children ambassadors greeting guests as they arrived, and the many faces of UCP-OC children on the screens welcomed guests when they entered the ballroom. Assistant emcees Reo Kobayashi & Brianna Pievac showed the many advances in DVVLVWLYH�WHFKQRORJ\�WKDW�EHQH¿W�WKH�ZRUOG�RI�GLVDELOLWLHV��%ULDQQD�used her iPad to communicate for her so she could participate with the witty dialogue between herself, Reo and the Emcee. The program included live performances by UCP-OC teens with

disabilities Azalea Ghotb, Sydney Wyma, including Friday Night Club creator Natalie Cernius and two fellow 3DFL¿F�6\PSKRQ\�<RXWK�2UFKHVWUD�(QVHPEOH�&KDPEHU�3OD\HUV��7KH�OLYH�SHUIRUPDQFHV�VWDUWHG�RII�ZLWK�D�WUXO\�magical classical piano performance by Azalea Gohtb, who attends UCP-OC recreation programs and The Friday Night Club.

Gala committee co-chairs were Michele Maryott, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Partner and Matthew Maletta, Allergan Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary. Honorary gala co-chairs and former Impact awardees included David Pyott and his wife Julianna along with Julia and George Argyros.

Top auction items included a night at the Grammy Awards that generated $10,000, two Angels dugout suites were sold at $11,000 each, a rare look inside Blizzard Entertainment and two dinner parties for 12 with Sapphire Grill Chef Azmin Ghahreman each brought in $5,500.

David Pyott, Gavin Herbert, UCP-OC CEO Cathleen Collins and

Honoree James V. Mazzo

Azalea, a teen who attends UCP-OC, invoked a true

standing ovation in response to her beautiful piano piece.

Life Without Limits

Visionary

4

Assistant Emcees Reo & Brianna with James Mazzo

Gala Co-Chairs and Board Members Michele Maryott & Matthew Maletta

Special Gifts

Bonner Paddock Send-Off Celebration

Gift of Music

A Birthday Party for Wyatt

A Wedding Gift

&LWL]HQV�%XVLQHVV�%DQN�SUHVHQWHG�D��������JLIW�IURP�WKHLU�DQQXDO�JROI�WRXUQDPHQW�EHQH¿WWLQJ�8QLWHG�&HUHEUDO�3DOV\�RI�Orange County and other OC charities this past July. UCP-OC CEO Cathy Collins and UCP-OC child Abby welcomed a visit from Citizens Business Bank Vice President Arthur Bergmann. Citizens Business Bank is a longtime supporter of UCP-OC and will participate in our upcoming Golf Tournament.

Abby’s mother has also started the UCP-OC Parent guild comprised of UCP-OC parents to assist with planning for our Gala in May.

Teen Meril Tomy has been a special sitter volunteer with UCP-OC for the past two years. Upon hearing the termination of WKH�SURJUDP�WKLV�VXPPHU�GXH�WR�EXGJHW�FXWV�DQG�LQVXI¿FLHQW�IXQGLQJ�VKH�ZDQWHG�WR�GR�VRPHWKLQJ�WR�KHOS��6KH�DQG�KHU�friend David wrote and produced a CD, and held a fundraiser selling the CD with 100% of the proceeds coming to UCP-OC. Thank you Meril and David for this creative and very successful fundraiser to support UCP-OC!

For Wyatt’s 5th birthday, his parents asked that guests bring in donations in lieu of presents for organizations that have made a difference in Wyatt’s life one being UCP-OC. Wyatt’s birthday party had an Angry Birds theme, and his mother designed an Angry Bird’s box for the donations to be placed in. When Wyatt presented the gifts to UCP-OC he said, “I

want to share my birthday presents to help other kids like me.”

This past September we celebrated the marriage of Geri Kate Macalino and Frank Pearce. They very humbly told their guests that in lieu of gifts for themselves, please make donations to UCP-OC. Our therapists have played a vital role in their child’s life, and they in turn want to make a difference at our organization. We were so honored to receive these generous gifts! Thank you to all those who made a gift and impacted a child!

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Liam has come to United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County for a little over a year, and was recently the Child of the Month on our blog, www.ucpoc.wordpress.com. Liam’s family is very appreciative for the many milestones their son has met since coming to UCP-OC. His mother Gina desires to make a difference and an impact in the future of other children like her son. 6KH�VSUHDG�WKH�ZRUG�RI�DOO�8&3�2&�KDV�GRQH�IRU�/LDP��DQG�WKDW�DV�QRQ�SUR¿W�8&3�2&�UHOLHV�RQ�GRQRUV�DQG�RXU�IDPLOLHV�WR�make a difference in the community of Orange County. In July, Liam and his twin sister Gianna presented UCP-OC with 2 gifts from family friends and a matching gift from Liam’s grandparents. Thank you to Liam’s family and friends!

Grandparents’ Matching Gifts

Citizens Business Bank Birdies for UCP-OC

On Wednesday, September 26th UCP-OC celebrated Board Member Bonner Paddock for his effort to become the ¿UVW�SHUVRQ�ZLWK�FHUHEUDO�SDOV\�WR�FRPSOHWH�WKH������,URQPDQ�:RUOG�&KDPSLRQVKLS�LQ�.RQD��+H�LV�SDUWLFLSDWLQJ�LQ�the Ironman to raise $1 million to help build much needed centers like UCP-OC for children with disabilities.

The event was truly a celebration with more than 60 guests and UCP-OC children ambassadors who came out to show their support. The children presented Bonner ZLWK�D�EDQQHU�RI�WKHLU�¿QJHU�SDLQWHG�KDQGSULQWV��8&3�2&�&(2�&DWKOHHQ�&ROOLQV�and Board President Richard Cohn greeted the guests, followed by Young’s Market President and OM Foundation Advisor Vern Underwood and Angels Chairman

Dennis Kuhl commending Bonner for completing this challenge in honor of children with disabilities. Bonner then presented UCP-OC with a gift of $100,000 from the OM Foundation. Finishing off the event, guests including over 30 employee donors from Young’s Market toured UCP-OC’s Therapy Center. Thank you all for coming and celebrating Bonner for his dedication to our UCP-OC children! To see more pictures you can go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/UCPofOC.

It’s time to Re-Enroll! Ralphs Rewards with UCP-OC

Sign up today!www.ralphs.com

Go to www.ralphs.com.

Sign into your Ralphs Rewards or create an account.

If you need to create an account please check your e-mail to verify WKH�DFFRXQW��$IWHU�YHUL¿FDWLRQ�\RX�FDQ�ORJ�LQ�DQG�SURFHHG�

When you are logged in, underneath where it says “Welcome back” click “My Ralphs”.

On the left hand side click “Community Contribution”.

Under “Participant” click “Enroll”.

This should take you to another page where you can type in “United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County” and hit search.

Select our “United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County” and hit save!

Follow UCP-OC online!

If you have any questions please contact Elizabeth Wylie at ewylie@ucp-oc.org or 949.333.6412

UCP-OC Board of DirectorsRichard Cohn, President

Aitken, Aitken & Cohn

Grant Beresford, Vice President NetSuite

Thomas Quinn, Treasurer Allergan, Inc.

Kim Letch, Secretary Ernst & Young

Afshin Aminian, MD Adult & Pediatric Orthopaedic Specialists

Steve Chesterman Abbott Medical Optics

Mark Clemens KPMG LLP

James Corbett Vertos Medical Inc

Christopher Deason Voit Real Estate Services

Daniel Glassman St. Joseph Health System

Gunnar Gooding 6HOHFW�6WDI¿QJ

John Harvey The Harvey Company Insurance Services

Matthew Maletta Allergan, Inc.

Monty Mars Edwards Lifesciences

Michele Maryott Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Ed Mora Bank of the West

Bonner Paddock Young’s Market Company

Scott Pievac SPC Retail Display Group

Michael Tenerelli Dorsey & Whitney, LLP

Daniel Vittone Voit Real Estate Services

UCP-OC Management&DWKOHHQ�&ROOLQV��&KLHI�([HFXWLYH�2I¿FHU

Noly Guardamondo, Director of Operations & Children’s Services

Robin D. Walker, Director of Development

Lisa Kerfoot, DPT, Manager of Therapy Services

(ULQ�%DOO��6HQLRU�'HYHORSPHQW�2I¿FHU

UCP of Orange County980 Roosevelt, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92620

tel: (949) 333-6400 fax: (949) 333-6440

info@ucp-oc.org

www.ucp-oc.org

Celine is a very happy and sociable 11 year-old, and over the years she has overcome many challenges. When she was only 4 months old, Celine was diagnosed with a brain tumor on her right brain. A surgery was performed to remove the tumor, and another surgery to place a shunt in her brain. As a result of the tumor and surgeries, Celine is left with mild cerebral palsy. Today Celine loves to sing, dance and is very observant of others needs and wants to assist in any way she is able.

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class. Two and a half years later Celine has added gymnastics and Fit Kids to her class schedule. “Gymnastics and the other recreation classes have helped her with her gross motor skills and improved with her coordination; it’s a form of therapy that is disguised to her. She is having fun while socializing and creating relationships with her peers,” says her mother.

This August, Celine participated in our 5th Annual Bike Camp in partnership with Down Syndrome Association of OC. For one week Celine and 40 other children were taught how to ride a bike independently. Campers learned gradually how to ride by using specially adapted bikes that teach the children balance. On the last day of camp the children were given the opportunity to go outside and practice their newfound skill. Through the experience, not only did Celine learn how to ride a bike, but it encouraged her older brother to learn as well!

A special thank you to Easton Bell Sports for generously donating bicycle helmets to ensure the safety of our children and to Soka University for donating their gym for the week.

Child of the Month: October 2012

When you shop at Ralphs and use your Rewards Card a percentage of your total will go towards supporting UCP-OC. All you need to do is sign-up online, register your card and use it when you check-out. Starting September 1st Ralphs requires everyone that signed up last year to re-enroll for the program.

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