Lifting up Lofton

Lofton is a 9-year old on my sons' travel baseball team, the Wilson County Mustangs, out of Mount Juliet, TN.  When Lofton was 4 years old, he contracted a poliomyelitis virus from a simple respiratory infection, forever changing his life.  The virus attacked his spinal cord, resulting in complete paralysis of his left shoulder and arm.  Lofton has a very limited mobility of his left arm.  Lofton's first love, other than Jesus, is playing baseball.  He lives, eats, and breathes baseball and is always practicing.  His favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and he displays this verse on his eye black at almost every game.  He also loves riding horses, swimming, and pretty much anything outdoors.  Despite the odds, Lofton is becoming one of the best baseball players on the team, and he is an incredible inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and everyone who has the opportunity to see him play.  He catches the ball with his right hand and then transfers it to his left hand.  He then tucks his glove under his left arm and grabs the baseball with his right hand once again to throw it.   Lofton is undergoing a very risky, intense surgery on Monday, November 26, 2018, at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  The goals of the surgery are to stabilize his shoulder joint and prevent it from dislocating due to the acquired muscle atrophy and allow him to continue playing baseball and just enjoy being able to do what kids do.  The surgeon who is willing to take on Lofton's case is both out of state and out-of-network for his family.   Lofton's family is faced with costly medical bills, travel expenses, lost wages, and medical services such as physical therapy.  Since his surgery is scheduled so close to Thanksgiving, the cost of traveling is increased significantly.  Lofton will also have to return to John Hopkins Hospital for several post-op visits.  Please consider donating to this promising, young athlete and his family so that he can have the opportunity to have this surgery and so his family can focus on Lofton and his recovery during this time.  All proceeds from this fund will go directly to Mika Cashion, Lofton's mother.