I am the proud aunt of the most jubilant girl in the world and I'm reaching out because her family needs your help.

History

Elizabeth was born to Caitlin and Rick Haskett with Spastic Cerebral Palsy, a lifelong condition that inhibits her muscle growth and causes painful muscle contractures. In her 11 years of life, she's been through numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, including an invasive SDR surgery three years ago to section (cut) some of the sensory nerve fibers that come from her muscles and into the spinal cord. The goal was to provide a bit more flexibility and muscle use and, along with a few years of therapy, to hopefully be able to walk.

Unfortunately, there have been a series of challenges. The family was told that aquatic therapy can help to strengthen her limbs. Around that time they were notified that her chances of walking unassisted were still low. They moved to a lower cost of living (roughly an hour away from their family support) and saved money for three years to put in a pool where she could do therapy regularly at home.

The timing was good and bad. As Lizzie's little brother (2 y.o.) is walking and running through the house, the finality of her condition has been weighing on her.

Just the idea of being able to swim and move unassisted makes Lizzie so happy. Her parents have been devoted to providing this for her. Even after a contractor disappeared with their initial deposit!

They saved back up and got a more reputable company to begin work earlier this spring.

Halfway through the construction of the pool, Lizzie's existing wheelchair began to fall apart. They were notified by their insurance that she does qualify for a new chair and there is one that can sustain her well through high school, college and beyond while granting her the ability to stand.

Need

Today they were informed that the insurance company has denied the 'seat' portion of her wheelchair which means that $12,000 must be paid by Lizzie's family before she can even order the wheelchair.

In addition, to pick it up they need a specially modified van. Lizzie is growing and we are so grateful to God that she is but it means that her wheelchair is heavier. Cait and Rick found a used van that they can have retrofitted but that is an additional $35,000 that they have to come up with before they order the wheelchair.

The work on the pool is almost complete and though that will bring Lizzie immense joy in the warmer months, it does not grant her the freedom she needs.

In summary, Lizzie is a bundle of joy and when she isn't cheering or at girl scouts, she is loving on her brother, attending physical therapy, or giggling into infinity. Her family is doing everything that they can with the knowledge that one day, they will not be here. Please consider supporting her family in granting Lizzie the freedom of standing whenever she wants to and one day to drive.