Help Trenton get an accessible van!!!
Donation protected
This is Trenton. When he was born in 2005, the Doctors at the
hospital prepared us for the worst. They told us that Trenton would be
blind, deaf, and would be like caring for a baby doll, as he would be
unaware of his surroundings. All 9 neo-natal Doctors at the hospital
told us that we could take him home and "˜let him pass', and they
wouldn't think any less of us. We were also told that our lives would be
very difficult if we chose life saving measures for our son.
Trenton was born with a neuronal migrational disorder, which basically means that his brain stopped forming in utero. Because of this, he was also born with arthrogryposis, (clubbing of the hands and feet), epilepsy (seizure disorder) and cerebral palsy (loss of motor control). He is unable to walk, talk, or feed himself. He depends on a feeding tube for his nutrition. His vocal cords are also partially paralysed, which is the reason for his tracheotomy.
Because we value life, we did not listen to the doctors. We brought our baby home after a 43 day in the Intensive Care Unit. We wanted to give our son a chance at living a happy life, and at the same time teach our older 2 children the value of life!
Trenton will be turning 8 this year! He has surpassed the doctors expectations! He is considered legally blind, but his hearing is perfect! He does not have the use of his limbs, but has a smile that will surely light up a room! He has an older brother who is 12, and an older sister who is 10.
Although he has many disabilities, he teaches us the value of patience and understanding everyday. His smile is absolutely infectious!
The older he gets, the harder it is to move him from place to place. It has become very difficult to lift him into the car-seat in our van (he now weighs 50 pounds), and then to lift the wheelchair into the back of the van. Being a single mother, I constantly strain to take him to his many doctor appointments, and to also ensure that he has a good quality of life by being able to do fun things with his family!
An accessible handicapped van would be life changing for our family. We would be able to include him on more outings, and also ensure his safety as we transport him to his many appointments.
Trenton was born with a neuronal migrational disorder, which basically means that his brain stopped forming in utero. Because of this, he was also born with arthrogryposis, (clubbing of the hands and feet), epilepsy (seizure disorder) and cerebral palsy (loss of motor control). He is unable to walk, talk, or feed himself. He depends on a feeding tube for his nutrition. His vocal cords are also partially paralysed, which is the reason for his tracheotomy.
Because we value life, we did not listen to the doctors. We brought our baby home after a 43 day in the Intensive Care Unit. We wanted to give our son a chance at living a happy life, and at the same time teach our older 2 children the value of life!
Trenton will be turning 8 this year! He has surpassed the doctors expectations! He is considered legally blind, but his hearing is perfect! He does not have the use of his limbs, but has a smile that will surely light up a room! He has an older brother who is 12, and an older sister who is 10.
Although he has many disabilities, he teaches us the value of patience and understanding everyday. His smile is absolutely infectious!
The older he gets, the harder it is to move him from place to place. It has become very difficult to lift him into the car-seat in our van (he now weighs 50 pounds), and then to lift the wheelchair into the back of the van. Being a single mother, I constantly strain to take him to his many doctor appointments, and to also ensure that he has a good quality of life by being able to do fun things with his family!
An accessible handicapped van would be life changing for our family. We would be able to include him on more outings, and also ensure his safety as we transport him to his many appointments.
Organizer
Denise Balk Pickem
Organizer
Grand Rapids, MI
