Keegan is a 16-year-old that is diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome that causes neurological and psychological problems that impacts his mobility and communication. Keegan was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at the age of 2 by the Muscles and...

Emma has Aicradi Syndrome and uncontrollable epilepsy, with daily seizures. She is unable to use the left side of her body, and is wheelchair bound. Emma is non-verbal, but she brings so much joy to others with her amazing smile and contagious giggle. Emma has three...

Nathaniel has CDKL5 deficiency disorder. It is a rare developmental epileptic encephalopathy caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. It causes him to have a broad range of clinical symptoms and severity. He has intractable epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay...

Ruby was born with split spine, which is similar to spina bifida. She does not have use of, or feeling in, her left leg. She recently had surgery for ankle and knee contractures and can now walk with a KAFO, AFO and forearm crutches! Ruby has been so incredibly brave...

Jalinn has dwarfism the most common form that is called achondroplasia. With having dwarfism, Jalinn has shortened legs and arms but to know her you would not know other than seeing her height. She doesn't let her dwarfism stop her. She can and will do anything that...

Haylee spent 8 months in the NICU after being diagnosed with RYR-1 or Central Core Disease. She went from not being able to move at all after birth, to getting bigger and stronger and is now able to move her body on her own. She can sit unassisted but uses a stander...

Easton is diagnosed with Trisomy 7 mosaic and Russel Silvers Syndrome. Easton had a lot of difficulty developing in utero. He severe low fluid and a hard time growing. He spent seven months in the NICU at Children's Mercy, his air way did not develop and had to get a...

Ruby is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The spasticity in her diagnosis describes that many of Ruby's major muscle groups are permanently flexed or tight/rigid. The spasticity in her muscles makes it difficult to control her muscles and to walk, plus has created...

Logan is diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal. Logan became non-verbal at about 18 months. When he was two years old we started speech therapy. Though it is hard at times we do our best to understand each other and Logan's needs. He started going to pre-school at 3...

Caleb is diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Autism. Because of his loss in muscle strength he is fully dependent on an adult and his wheelchair. With all the odds against him, Caleb is the happiest kid we have ever seen. We call him "Sunshine" because he...

varietykc.org    FIRST Variety KC Splash Pad/Sprayground  Grand Opening with Presentation of Summer Grants for kids with Disabilities Please join us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Grand Opening of Variety KC’s inclusive Splash Pad/Sprayground and inclusive...

We can all attest to the power and importance of friendship, but perhaps American philosopher, psychologist, and professor William James put it best when he said, “Wherever you are, it is your own friends who make your world.” Don’t get me wrong; I’m happy to see...