Meet the Kids: Elijah

Elijah

This is a situation that we hear all too often. 17-year-old Elijah has outgrown his wheelchair, which after four years was breaking down and the family was told it can’t be repaired and restored to hold him. Insurance won’t cover a new one for another year, leaving Elijah immobile and homebound. A rental is filling in, but that cost mounts as well. This isn’t a “want,” for Elijah, whose rare condition of sacral agenesis means his spine quit growing and is absent after L2, this is a dire need!  Still, if you ask Elijah what he would change about his condition, he says “nothing!” He likes overcoming obstacles.  A new wheelchair is one less obstacle Elijah has to deal with, generous Variety supporters saw to that!  Help Variety cover the basic needs for children with special needs, visit www.varietykc.org

Meet the Kids: Garrett

Garrett

Garrett is an eight-year-old living in an apartment complex loaded with kids riding bikes and scooters. His mom used to try and take him along in a wagon, but he has long outgrown that. (Plus, what young man wants his mother pulling him around, right?) an adaptive bike would allow him to join other kids, get important exercise, and grant him some independence. So that’s exactly what Variety friends did for him!  To help other kids like Garrett, contact us at varietykc@gmail.com

Meet the Kids: Truman

Truman

 

Like any two-year-old, Truman just wants to get moving!  His diagnosis of peri ventricular leukomalacia and microcephalic make that a struggle right now. His doctors recommend a gait trainer to get him upright and building strength.  The Caring Program for Children, administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, have partnered with Variety and made sure Truman got the device he needed!  We are happy to report that his therapists believe he is highly motivated and progressing well with his gait trainer! Go Truman!  Please consider partnering with Variety to help other kids Be Active, Be Social, and Belong!  Contact us at varietykc@gmail.com

Meet the Kids: Simone

Simone

“Okay Simone, let’s see if there is anything you can do here.” After 13 years in a wheelchair, Simone’s mom explains that they constantly struggle in a world built for ambulatory people. Simone and her twin were born at 24 weeks, a brain bleed resulted in conditions that leave Simone immobile.  She is outgoing, loving, and has a wonderful spirit – but as she ages, it gets more and more difficult for her caregivers to lift her in and out of vehicles. Dangerous too.  The family van needed to be adapted and Simone needed a valet seat in that van.  Generous Variety donors came through once again!  It isn’t always exciting to donate for a child’s needs rather than a wish or want – but it is life-changing, and in some cases, life-saving. Help us to help other kids like Simone, visit www.varietykc.org