Run For Hope in Lutz Helps Toddler With Cerebral Palsy

The race is on in Lutz to help fund the medical expenses of a young girl with cerebral palsy.  

The Run for Hope 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk in Lake Park on April 27 raises money to pay for therapy and medical treatment for Mattingly Hope Spinner, a nearly 2-year-old Tampa toddler with cerebral palsy.

Mattie was born on April 3, 2011, nine weeks prematurely and 15 weeks after her mother’s water broke, says mother Jessica Spinner.  

She was diagnosed with Periventricular leukomalacia, a brain injury, at 3 weeks old. She also was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 8 months old.

She can roll around and prop herself into a crawling position, but she can’t crawl, sit up or walk.

Jessica Spinner wants to see Mattie learn to walk.  But she and her husband hope to see Mattie be able to do more than even that.

“We not only want to see Mattie walk, we want to see her run,” said Spinner, who works as an accountant.

Mattie is enrolled in an alternative therapy called the Anat Baniel Method. Her mother attributes Mattie’s progress to the therapy.

“ABM is based on the principles of neuroplasticity. In the simplest terms, neuroplasticity is the science supporting the brain’s ability to change itself, grow, and form new neural connections. ABM uses gentle, innovative movements and techniques to help the brain form new neural connections and patterns. ABM helps provide the optimum environment for the brain to notice, accept and integrate new information. This in turn, allows the brain to create more efficient movement, and allows child to feel more in-tune with and comfortable in their body,” Spinner said.

It’s not covered by the Spinners insurance, Spinner said. The money from the 5K and fun run will pay for the ABM treatment and also for surgery for Mattie.

Spinner's friends Mindy Bennett and Jennifer Maginness organized the race. 

“I was so grateful that they wanted to help us,” she said. “We have some pretty amazing friends!”

Registration for the 5K, which is chip timed, is now open. Tickets can be purchased online at the event’s page on Active.com. Tickets for the 5K cost $25. Tickets for the 1-mile fun run/walk cost $10.   

The event starts at 7 a.m. April 27 at 17302 Dale Mabry Hwy N, Lutz.

You can find out more about Mattie's at the Hope for Mattie website.