Driving Miss Graycee
Donation protected
Graycee was born with a congenital seizure disorder that has impacted her development and every aspect of her life. Although she is 10 years old, Graycee cannot sit up, roll over, or hold objects in her hands. She is tube fed via a “Mickey Button” in her stomach. In addition to a recent spinal fusion surgery, Graycee has had “Nissen” fundoplication surgery, eye muscle surgery, and tonsil, adnoid and uvula ectomies. She receives “Botox” injections regularly to control muscle contractures. She takes several prescription medications for a variety of purposes (from controlling seizures to sleeping), receives Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy weekly and Home Health services daily. Graycee uses several pieces of medical equipment each day including: stander, hospital bed, suction machine, bath chair, eyeglasses, patient lift, AFOs (leg braces), wheelchair, hand splints, and feeding pump.
Graycee is nonverbal, but communicates using eye gaze and other nonverbal communication methods. Graycee interacts with others through body language, laughter, cries, screams, coos, etc. She uses “Eagle Eyes,” an eye controlled mouse system, and an iPad with hand over hand assistance.
Graycee’s physical growth is consistent with a typical 10 year old child. She weighs 70 pounds and is 55 inches tall. As Graycee grows, transfers are becoming more and more difficult. She does not have the ability to assist with transfers and is essentially dead weight for her care givers. Following spinal fusion surgery, she no longer has the ability to bend or twist her spine making transfers more difficult. Transportation is a challenge for Graycee. Without a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Graycee must be transferred out of her wheelchair and into a carseat. Her 65 pound wheelchair must then be lifted into the vehicle. In order to accommodate her wheelchair, seats must be removed making it impossible for her entire family to safely and legally travel in one vehicle. It is necessary to have a wheelchair-accessible van to allow Graycee to ride in her wheelchair during transportation. With a price tag of $50,000 or more, however, a wheelchair-accessible van has been financially out of reach.
“Driving Miss Graycee” fundraiser has been established to help Graycee’s family acquire this much needed vehicle.
Thank you for your support!!!
Graycee is nonverbal, but communicates using eye gaze and other nonverbal communication methods. Graycee interacts with others through body language, laughter, cries, screams, coos, etc. She uses “Eagle Eyes,” an eye controlled mouse system, and an iPad with hand over hand assistance.
Graycee’s physical growth is consistent with a typical 10 year old child. She weighs 70 pounds and is 55 inches tall. As Graycee grows, transfers are becoming more and more difficult. She does not have the ability to assist with transfers and is essentially dead weight for her care givers. Following spinal fusion surgery, she no longer has the ability to bend or twist her spine making transfers more difficult. Transportation is a challenge for Graycee. Without a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Graycee must be transferred out of her wheelchair and into a carseat. Her 65 pound wheelchair must then be lifted into the vehicle. In order to accommodate her wheelchair, seats must be removed making it impossible for her entire family to safely and legally travel in one vehicle. It is necessary to have a wheelchair-accessible van to allow Graycee to ride in her wheelchair during transportation. With a price tag of $50,000 or more, however, a wheelchair-accessible van has been financially out of reach.
“Driving Miss Graycee” fundraiser has been established to help Graycee’s family acquire this much needed vehicle.
Thank you for your support!!!
Organizer
Angie Roberts
Organizer
Rexburg, ID
