$13 for Addy’s 13th Birthday!☀️

To those of you that don’t know me, I’m Anna. Many know me as “Addy’s respite.” When I started providing respite care through People-Inc 6 years ago, I never knew that I would end up with a tiny best friend. What’s even more special is the fact that my tiny best friend would ultimately become the 2nd family I have today.

When I met Addison she was full of energy. She would zoom around the house looking for anything to take out and play with and was constantly pulling books out to read. She would greet me with a “hi” and when I asked about her day she would give a smiley “sss” for yes or a deep “ooh” for no. If you gave her a plate of food and a fork, you could count on it being gone in minutes (even if it were vegetables!) And that giggle... that giggle was contagious and those around her couldn’t help but to smile too. Addison was always up for anything with her family and we went on many adventures.

Things started to change. Slowly at first... but Addison started needing more help. Her zoom around the house turned into an assisted walk as I held her hands and walked behind her. She no longer cared about toys and would rather play with the light switch in the kitchen. Her “hi” and “bye” faded and she no longer used words. She ate with her hands and needed reminders to slow down. But that giggle and smile stayed as we continued to make memories with her family.

Fast forward to today. After countless doctors appointments and sleepless nights, Addison was diagnosed with a gene mutation that is taking away my tiny best friend. What doctors didn’t predict was how hard this kid was going to fight to stay around with her family and friends.

Today Addison doesn’t move much from her chair. She has musical toys but she doesn’t really interact with them. She is fed through a g-tube which includes multiple medications. And her smiles and giggles come and go. But one thing has remained constant...the time and memories she makes with her family.

Christine and Joel, Addison’s parents, have always made it a goal to make sure that Addison is involved in everything that they do. Family outings, vacations and events become a little tricky when there is so much equipment involved but they have always found a way. As a respite provider, you are usually hired to “give the family a break.” But that was never their intent. I was there to make sure that Addison could always be a part of whatever the rest of the family was doing.

So why are you reading all of this? Addison is turning 13! Her mom and I share that as a favorite and lucky number. And it’s probably fate that Addison was born on June 13th!

ln the past couple of years, I have had a hard time thinking of things to get her for her birthday. But one thing that would be amazing to celebrate this milestone is a new chair that could go places like the beach, the park, etc. This would provide Addison with the opportunity to keep making memories with her family and hopefully bring that contagious smile back.

 

As you might know, equipment or other things for kids with special needs can become really expensive. Christine and Joel would never ask for anything like this - so I figured I could surprise them in doing so. How can you help? $13 for Addy’s 13th! Let’s help her keep creating memories with her family. This kid deserves the world. ☀️