Letter to the Editor
The Daily World, Opelousas, LA
April 5, 1999
Through the forty plus (40 +) years of the Opelousas Area Cerebral Palsy Clinic's existence, the generosity, hard work, and dedication of this community is what has kept it going for children with cerebral palsy.
The Clinic, a St. Landry - Evangeline United Way Agency, provides physical therapy to children with cerebral palsy, free of charge. This in itself makes the Clinic unique. Physical movement that comes easy to most of us can be difficult for someone with cerebral palsy. Physical therapy helps to loosen tight muscles and/or can help strengthen weak muscles. Physical therapy is usually a necessity for someone with cerebral palsy and can be quite expensive.
Every year, new faces come through the doors of the Clinic seeking assistance. The parents who take their children to the Clinic for the first time never envisioned that they would ever be in need of the Clinic's assistance. These parents, however, are grateful for having the Clinic available for their child. Unfortunately, many more parents will be unknowingly facing this diagnosis for their child just in the next year alone and will need a place to turn.
The Clinic lost a special person, Derrick, last year. His short life was enhanced by the therapy he received at the Clinic. Although is with the angels now, his presence is still with us by the joy he brought to us all. He is greatly missed and will forever remain in our hearts.
On June 19, 1999 at Little Teche Farms the 9th Annual Tribute to Lois Boagni Luau benefiting the Clinic will be held. Little Kenny will provide music and Russell's Food Center will provide the catering. Money raised from this tribute will be used for physical therapy provided by the Clinic.
This benefit is in tribute to the late Lois Boagni, for her work and dedication to not only the Clinic, but to all the children who went there. Her loving spirit lives on at the Clinic and in those children whose lives she touched.
Please join us at Little Teche Farms for the 9th Annual Tribute to Lois Boagni Luau on June 19 so that the Clinic can continue helping children with cerebral palsy fulfill their potential.
