He is also a strong advocate and generous fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA).
Shortly after Tony’s granddaughter, Harper, was born in 2019 she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
“When my daughter told me that our precious little granddaughter had received a cerebral palsy diagnosis, I felt strongly for her and nobody in the family knew what to expect. She lives in the United States, where there is no Cerebral Palsy Alliance as such. I knew that, though separated by distance, I was going to do all I could to help make a positive difference in Harper’s life, and the lives of kids like her”.
So, Tony started researching therapies and supports for children with cerebral palsy and this is how he came to learn about CPA.
“Getting to know the CPA team and understanding the breadth of services they offer and research they undertake, and fund was a real eye opener for me. It was then that I decided to STEP up for CPA.”
Tony signed up for STEPtember and encouraged his network to give generously, which they did. Tony stepped for CPA in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. He organised a very successful Italian-themed fundraising dinner in 2023, and invited his supporters to visit CPA’s Allambie Heights centre to help them understand the impact their support makes for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.
In 2024 Tony was the second highest STEPtember fundraiser and he continues to support and advocate for CPA at any given opportunity. He’s aiming for that No 1 spot on the STEPtember leaderboard!
“I’ll continue doing all I can to support CPA and create positive impact for people with disability. It’s not just the money and the recognition that CP gets. It’s the buzz that my CP mates and their families get from knowing we are in their corner” says Tony.
And with Harper cheering him on, we know Tony will keep doing just that. And we’re very grateful.
