Beckett's Healing Journey

Here is the brief version of a very long story about Beckett Burnstad... When Beckett was about 9 months old, it was noticed that he wasn't moving his legs or taking weight through them as he should be.  By 12 months, his feet appeared to be drooping and his hands were becoming weaker.  Over the next year, Beckett's weakness increased, he lost weight and he had chronic diarrhea.  He began seeing physio weekly at this point and was fitted for braces for his feet/ankles to support him better when he was held in a standing position.  He slept a lot during this time- throughout the night and long naps during the day.  His first pediatrician suspected Spinal Muscle Atrophy and he underwent testing to see if he was positive.  One month and many sleepless nights later, they were told that the test came back negative.  At this point, the family became linked with Dr Magonigle- a well respected pediatrician in Edmonton. He suspected Arthrogryposis  however this diagnosis was also found to be negative.  They were referred to yet another neurologist who has diagnosed Beckett with Jars Disease.  There is very little known about this diagnosis, it is extremely rare (only 10 people in the world have it) and has no known treatment. Bekkah and Josh were told that there is nothing you can do and that there is no hope for him to ever walk, so they took matters into their own hands and started researching on their own.  They put their faith in God to guide them to some answers. 
After 7 months of searching, Beckett tested positive for Lyme Disease and a virus named coxsackie a7 and b1.   This diagnosis has been confirmed by Beckett's pediatrician and the family is now in the process of treating his Lyme disease and the coxsackie virus. Needless to say, it has been a very stressful and emotional journey for the family

Beckett is still receiving weekly physio but he currently is unable to take weight through his legs unsupported. He gets around by "scooching" on his bum and this has contributed to his lower back becoming very curved.  His infectious smile and desire to be with his siblings and other kids is clear to see- whether it's at the ball diamond, outside on the farm or at a community get together.  Beckett asks whoever is holding him to "run" because he wants to be just like all the other kids.  At the end of June, Beckett completed a trial of a power wheelchair and he totally rocked it! Although tentative at first, the smile on his face showed that he was excited to have some freedom of movement and the chance to "run" on his own.

This Go Fund Me has been started to support Beckett in getting a power wheelchair of his own.  There is public funding available for a power chair through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), however, this process can take up to a year to be approved and the most suitable chair to allow him to traverse over outdoor, farm type terrain, is not covered on the AADL program.  Bekkah and Josh also really feel Beckett needs to be able to run and have some freedom as soon as possible.  All funds raised will go directly towards purchasing a power wheelchair for Beckett and for other expenses the family may incur along his healing journey. 
 
For further information about Beckett and updates on his progress- please go to his Facebook page- Beckett's Healing Journey.  A sincere thank-you to everyone for reading this and for considering a donation to help this sweet little boy!

*please note-  If you chose to donate to Beckett, you will be asked for an additional "tip" to the Go Fund Me website.  This is completely optional and this money would not go to Beckett.  Go Fund Me receives 30 cents from every donation as a means to keep their program running automatically.