Meet the Kids: Kelvon

Meet the Kids: Kelvon

May 29, 2018 | Meet the Kids, Mobility

Van Lift will Change this Teenager’s Life

Kelvon is a seventeen-year-old with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and static encephalopathy. He is totally home bound and relies on others for all his care. His family has done an incredible job fundraising for a used mobility van – they held bake sales and concerts, anything to raise some money. And they did it! They finally have enough for the van, but they need a lift into the van. Once they have the lift, Kelvon and his mother, will be able to go to church and visit their family and friends. Generous Variety partners made sure Kelvon has his lift and wish him well on his upcoming journeys. Every kid deserves to Be Active, Be Social, and Belong – help others like Kelvon by donating today!

Meet the Kids: Nikolas

Meet the Kids: Nikolas

May 22, 2018 | Meet the Kids

Bath Safety for Child with Disability

Nikolas was born with a condition called Lenz Microphthalmia, it’s a very rare condition with no prognosis. His condition makes his life quite complicated and he is unable to do anything on his own. He can roll over and use his arms, but cannot communicate and physically he needs help with all his activities of daily living. His mom explains that this makes taking a bath or shower very difficult for both Nikolas and his caregiver. A special bath chair would allow Nikolas to safely take a shower or bath and his caregiver would not have the strain of getting him in and out of the bath area. Nikolas has had several surgeries, which resulted in nearly total blindness. He also went through chemotherapy for a cancer discovered in 2012. With all he has battled, taking a safe bath is such a small request – but the expense of the chair made it just out of reach. Nikolas’ story touched the hearts of our Variety supporters and he will soon have his bath chair!  Help Variety to help out other kids like Nikolas – donate today.

Meet the Kids: Randi

Meet the Kids: Randi

May 15, 2018 | Meet the Kids

Hypophosphatasia: Communication struggles

Little Randi has hypophosphatasia and is vent-dependent. She relies on gestures to communicate, but seems to comprehend well. Her therapists feel she would benefit from a PRC Accent Communication device that could be attached to her wheelchair, crib, or one of the chairs she uses at home. This would be her primary source of communication, but the cost is not covered by insurance. Randi’s family and therapists reached out to Variety KC for help in giving her a voice. A way to let her family, friends, and teachers know what she needs and what she wants. Part of a child being active, being social, and belonging is being able to communicate, so that’s exactly what Variety KC did! Randi has her voice, her communication device – and her family isn’t left guessing at what she needs. Don’t all kids deserve that?  You can help by making a donation today

Meet the Kids: Leyla

Meet the Kids: Leyla

May 8, 2018 | Meet the Kids, Mobility

Williams Syndrome and the Need for Exercise

Leyla has Williams Syndrome resulting in low muscle tone and limitations in both strength and posture. Her family is determined to provide opportunities for inclusion for Leyla and supports her development in every way they can. Leyla loves to play with her sister and at school she loves riding their adaptive bike. Having an adaptive hand-foot tricycle of her own would allow her to do what she loves most, riding bikes, with her sister and friends at home. It would also provide strengthening exercise and help improve balance. Think back to your own childhood. A bike meant freedom, independence, and a chance to hang out with friends. It is the type of mobility that Variety KC strives to provide for every child. Find out how you can help, visit our donation page.

Meet the Kids: Adin

Meet the Kids: Adin

May 1, 2018 | Meet the Kids, Mobility

Living with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele

Adin has Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, paralyzing him below the knees. He is eleven years old and has three older siblings, all very active. Using a hand operated recumbent bike, Adin could get out and ride bikes with his siblings and neighbors. He could get out in his community and benefit from the social interaction. Best of all, he would  get that much needed exercise that can help prevent atrophy and strengthen his muscles. His parents have tried hard to save for this bike, but on a public servant’s salary – it’s difficult to do with three other teenagers in the family. Variety KC thanks Adin’s dad for his service and is honored to step in and help Adin out. After all, doesn’t every kid deserve the chance to ride a bike? Together we can make that happen! Donate today