Today
we begin another silent auction on our Facebook page… All of the proceeds are
going to help children with severe developmental delays receive Intensive
physical therapy. I pray that one day soon everyone’s insurance will cover this therapy.
Until then we can’t sit by knowing other kids would be missing out on this
opportunity. I am extremely excited about the first family we will be
helping. When I decided this would be our next step, I knew Jonathan would have
to be the first. I met his mother Nancy last year at our kiddos Kindergarten graduation. After the beautiful ceremony put on by his teachers Barb and Missy,
I was introduced to Nancy. She was also raising money for her son. She was
trying to get him into a physical therapy program. This was the first time I
heard about the program. We spent some time talking about fundraising. I told
her what we were doing, what worked for us, etc. Since then I’ve gotten to know
her a better. I believe she is a remarkable woman, and look forward to
seeing Jonathan grow!
Here’s
their story:
Jonathan
came into my life October 3rd 2006 at 12:36pm. The moment I laid eyes on him, I
fell in love. His honey eyes were the most beautiful I have ever seen. He was
absolutely perfect.
On December 12, 2006 my son was fighting for his life; he had been a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome. I wished it was all a dream but it was not. The bad news kept coming. He sustained severe brain damage. Had I known what happened to him they might have been able to do something sooner. Instead it took days to find out what happened to him. Doctors had no hope; he would not survive. I refused to believe, I prayed, I was not giving up and neither was Jonathan.
Jonathan spent two long months in the hospital recovering. He was left with severe physical and mental disabilities. He was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy, a condition that limits his use of both legs. His vision and speech were also affected; he is non-verbal, and has limited vision. Jonathan has spent countless hours in physical, speech, and occupational therapy in school and out. He has received Botox injections to both legs. He participates in equine therapy as well as aquatic therapy, which he loves. Progress has been slow and hard won, but we appreciate each little victory thanks to the therapists who work with him every week.
We believe he is ready for more, and Intensive Physical Therapy will greatly benefit him.
On December 12, 2006 my son was fighting for his life; he had been a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome. I wished it was all a dream but it was not. The bad news kept coming. He sustained severe brain damage. Had I known what happened to him they might have been able to do something sooner. Instead it took days to find out what happened to him. Doctors had no hope; he would not survive. I refused to believe, I prayed, I was not giving up and neither was Jonathan.
Jonathan spent two long months in the hospital recovering. He was left with severe physical and mental disabilities. He was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy, a condition that limits his use of both legs. His vision and speech were also affected; he is non-verbal, and has limited vision. Jonathan has spent countless hours in physical, speech, and occupational therapy in school and out. He has received Botox injections to both legs. He participates in equine therapy as well as aquatic therapy, which he loves. Progress has been slow and hard won, but we appreciate each little victory thanks to the therapists who work with him every week.
We believe he is ready for more, and Intensive Physical Therapy will greatly benefit him.
He
is not ready to give up and neither am I.
Nancy
 |
| Photos courtesy of Jeramie Lu photography |
Wow right!? In
the brief time that I have known Nancy, it was obvious that she will do
anything for her son. She is soft spoken, shy, and so sweet. She is also
incredibly strong. Her story is tragic, and she could easily sit back and
wallow. Instead, she fights. She has pursued every opportunity available to get
help for her son. They have already raised more than half of the money needed
for Intensive PT, and Jonathan is signed up to start in July! Now, we are going
to help them finish the race.
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