Bringing awareness to cerebral palsy through Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader boots

When 2-year-old Ava Young goes into physical and occupational therapy, she's ready to play and light up the room with her personality.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 8 months old, physical and occupational therapy help Ava learn fine motor skills through pushing buttons, flipping switches and playing with figurine toys.

For her parents, watching Ava be able to receive the care she needs while also experiencing childhood play is important.

Receiving a diagnosis

Jay and Olivia Young describe the pregnancy with Ava as standard.

“There was nothing that went wrong or stood out as a red flag, so we expected a smooth birth and to go home without a hitch,” said Oliva Young. “However, when Ava was born, she didn’t have a heartbeat and suffered a brain injury. She was placed in the NICU for ten days and then stayed in the hospital for an additional three months.”

Ava spent those first three months of her life at the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott, where she received care that included a feeding tube, breathing tube and neurological medicines.

Due to the nature of her brain injury, Ava was expected to have some developmental delays as she aged.

“When we received the diagnosis for cerebral palsy, it was not unexpected,” said Young. “We knew our next step was getting her the best resources and care possible.”

Since her diagnosis, Ava has been in physical and occupational therapy.

As she ages, her physical therapy team ensures that her sessions aren't only productive, but feel like play for her.

“I started to tear up, it was incredibly special to know that not only did she want to support Ava but also bring attention to advocating for the care she and so many other kids like her need.” 

Sara Morgan, DPT, a University of Michigan Health Physical Therapist has worked closely with Ava since she was six months old in August 2024.

During physical therapy sessions, Morgan uses toys and adaptive equipment to assist Ava, teach skills and build strength to interact with her environment, play and move.

“Ava is incredibly smart and has a great sense of humor,” said Morgan. “We get to be silly and laugh a lot during our sessions.”

For Morgan, this joy that comes from her therapies is the goal.

This is why she has referred Ava to an adaptive physical therapy gymnastics group as well as aquatic therapy.

“It’s great for kids to be with peers so that the ‘work’ really becomes even more ‘play’ for them,” said Morgan.

“Just like any kid would be excited to start a new activity or sport, it is so important for kids with disabilities to have access to this same kind of opportunity. It is also beneficial for kids to see others with disabilities that are the same or similar to theirs to gain understanding and a feeling of camaraderie.”

In addition to having her family and care team in Michigan advocating for her cerebral palsy care, Ava has advocates across the United States, including on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad.

Bringing awareness to cerebral palsy in a NFL stadium

Each year, NFL athletes are allowed to select a cause to feature on their cleats for the “My Cause, My Cleats” game.

For this same game, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders participate with their own take on the custom shoes with “My Cause, My Boots”.

This year, Olivia Young’s sister-in-law, Tori Daniel, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, wanted to feature Ava on her boots.

“Before she submitted cerebral palsy awareness as her cause, she gave me a call,” said Olivia Young.

“I started to tear up, it was incredibly special to know that not only did she want to support Ava, but also bring attention to advocating for the care she and so many other kids like her need.”

For the game in late November 2025, the Young family sat down to watch Ava’s aunt perform with an green star on her boot, representing Ava and cerebral palsy awareness.

SEE ALSO: Changing the definition of cerebral palsy 

“Cerebral palsy is different for everyone, and I think that is often overlooked when it comes to cerebral palsy representation,” said Olivia Young.

“It is important to consider all of the possibilities versus limitations for people with cerebral palsy,” said Morgan.

“Some people are quite physically impaired, but very strong cognitively and vice versa. Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways, and it is important to consider all aspects to help find the tools each individual needs to build autonomy and be successful.”

Today, Ava is currently using a standing frame to work on weightbearing through her legs as well as walking with a gait trainer. In addition to enjoying her time at physical therapy, she is a fan of Disney Princesses, enjoys reading books, gives high fives and loves music, as long as it is songs she wants to hear.

“She is strong, opinionated, knows what she likes and is good at communicating it,” said Olivia Young.

“She is so full of joy every day and we are grateful to be her parents and get the opportunity to watch her experience the world.”

Sign up for Health Lab newsletters today. Get medical tips from top experts and learn about new scientific discoveries every week by subscribing to Health Lab’s two newsletters, Health & Wellness and Research & Innovation.

Sign up for the Health Lab Podcast: Add us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get you listen to your favorite shows.