Our Blog
Read stories about the kids, families and events that your support has impacted and the lives it has changed.
KCMO City Ordinance for Universal Changing Tables
Amending Chapter 18, Article II, Code of Ordinances, by repealing Section 18-40 entitled “Adoption of International Building Code (2018); amendments” and enacting in lieu thereof a new section of like number and subject matter that requires a universal station in...
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Meet The Kids – Mac (#35, KC Kings Basketball)
Dear Ms.Deb, This is a letter asking Variety for a grant so I can get a new chair. I need a new basketball chair because the one I have now is too small for me. First, I want you to know that wheelchair basketball means everything to me.It has changed my life more...
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Meet the Kids – Micah!
Micah's challenges: Micah has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Social Communication Severity Level 3 and Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors and Interests Severity Level 3 with Global Developmental Delay. He also has Mixed Receptive/Expressive Language...
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Meet the Kids – Emmaus
A little about Emmaus's condition; Emmaus has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). TSC is a multisystem genetic disease that causes tumors to grow in the organs of the central nervous system. These tumors are benign but cause many problems. Emmaus has numerous tumors...
read moreCongratulations to Variety Sprayground Partner – Raymore’s T.B. Hanna Station! Winner Public Works Project!
In February, Raymore’s T.B. Hanna Station, a park in the heart of the community, was announced as the winner of the 2022 Public Works Project of the Year in the Small Cities/Rural Communities Structures category at the Kansas City Metro American Public Works (APWA)...
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Meet the Kids – Benjamin
Ben is 12-years-old and despite a diagnosis of hearing loss and Down Syndrome, he is really just "one of the guys!" He loves spending time with his mom, his siblings, and his peers. This August, Ben will be starting middle school and having a device with the...
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Theo has a syndrome called Rubinstein Taybi which leads to cognitive and developmental delays. As is typical with his syndrome, he has tone and coordination issues. Although he can walk and run, it is challenging for him to alternate feet while going up and down...
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Meet the Kids – Sylvia!
Sylvia was born with a very rare genetic condition called USP9X Related Disorders. This has caused global developmental disabilities and autism, as well as a variety of other medical conditions such as heart defects and a submucosal cleft palate. Despite spending much...
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Meet the Kids – Sean!
Sean is a 7-year-old boy living with his mother and two brothers. He is a domestic abuse survivor who has spent time in foster care as his mom became homeless trying to leave an abusive home. He has been diagnosed with: Intellectual Disability, Parechovirus Type 3...
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Meet the Kids – Penny!
It's that time of year! Time for kids to play outside, hang out with the friends, and ride their bikes. But, not all bikes are available for a child with developmental disabilities. Meet Penny, a happy ten-year-old with a diagnosis of Fragile X and Autism. She loves...
read moreMeet the Kids – Gabriel
Meet Gabriel, a 4-year-old with an involved diagnosis: Generalized Muscle Weakness, Femoral Anteversion, Unsteady Gait, Global Development Delay, Autism, Mixed Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder. Recently his mother sent Variety KC this note: "In his short years,...
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Meet the Kids – Benji
Read how a sprained ankle led to a big discovery for Benji and his family! "Benji is an outgoing, independent, very kind little boy, who is diagnosed with FSHD muscular dystrophy. His diagnosis means that he has a general weakening of the muscles in his face, arms and...
read moreFind Out How to Get Involved
Several generous Kansas City organizations offer an employee match program. Double your gift to Variety KC, ask your employer if they match contributions! Here is a list of known companies that do.