As we continue the Klimb4Kids Campaign, we wanted to share a few stories about some of the honorary ambassadors we have already assisted with this amazing initiative. As you can probably imagine, some of these families aren’t able to wait until the completion of the campaign at the end of March. Your generosity has allowed us to already provide assistance for Grace, Branson and Emily. Please continue reading to learn about how you’ve helped make a positive, day-to-day impact in their lives.
Grace, age 12 | Pennsylvania
Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Intractable Epilepsy, Neurogenic Bladder
Grace is twelve years old and lives with her mother and older sister. Grace was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has developed numerous other conditions secondary to this. She has intractable epilepsy alongside a neurogenic bladder, which both produce issues. Last year alone, Grace was admitted to the hospital more than 10 times due to her fragile medical conditions. Grace receives homebound instruction due to her health status at this time. Her mother, who is facing her own medical concerns, is the full-time caregiver for Grace, with the addition of necessary nursing services. Due to her numerous complex medical diagnoses, Grace requires multiple pieces of medical equipment, including a suction machine, feeding pump, nebulizer, pulse oximeter, and an oxygen concentrator – all of which are necessary in stabilizing her medical state. The area in which the family lives experiences many power outages which could potentially be detrimental to the health of Grace.
On February 12th, we had the pleasure of providing Grace with a back-up generator to support the numerous medical devices required to manage her care. In addition, we provided her with a financial donation toward her ongoing medical supplies and needs that are not covered by insurance, as well as modifications necessary to her home to accommodate her lift and safety bed.
Branson, age 17 | Ohio
Leukodystrophy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, cerebral palsy, scoliosis
Branson is the youngest of three siblings. When he presented symptoms like twitching, not holding head very well, or reachingcertain milestones, his mother knew something was not right. Regardless, doctors told her it was nothing to worry about. At age two, when he wasn’t walking despite therapy, her concerns were confirmed after an MRI. He has uncontrollable seizures and a feeding tube for aspiration. His cognitive level is that of an 18-month old. Despite his challenges, he is so happy and loves people, music and cellphones.
Branson’s most immediate needs include a safer sleeping environment that will accommodate his uncontrolled seizures and feeding issues. His home also needs modifications to accommodate his wheelchair and gait trainer. The family is in the process of pricing out options for both, and The ATI Foundation has provided them with financial assistance for these two very important improvements for Branson’s daily function.
“I try to always be positive, but sometimes I could cry, because we are a family that won’t ask for a lot. This is the first bed we have asked insurance for in all his life, and to be denied really makes a mom cry. I try so hard to do what I can. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping Branson. I am the most appreciative ever for anything I can check off his list of things he needs. Thank you.” – Leann (Branson’s mom)
Emily, age 13 | Michigan
Cerebral dopamine deficiency
Emily is wheelchair bound with limited muscle strength due to her condition. When the family first submitted a beneficiary application, they had expressed their need for a stair lift for Emily. Since then, they received a donation of a used lift, but when you have a child with physical impairments, the needs continue to arise. The current need is a portable power wheelchair, as Emily is losing the ability to push herself in the manual chair.
The timing is perfect, because Emily got a part in her school musical production of “The Little Mermaid” and they were asking if she had a power wheelchair for the show! This way, she can move independently without someone pushing her, and can be so much more a part of the production on stage for both the rehearsals and performances. They are planning the choreography to accommodate her being fully independent. We provided the donation to pay for the wheelchair which will be delivered in February. We are looking forward to presenting it to her at one of her rehearsals with her fellow cast members and peers in attendance!
Please consider donating to our Klimb4Kids campaign (Klimb4Kids.com) to help many other children throughout the nation in need of assistance! #Klimb4Kids