Project Merlin

Project Merlin – Hydrotherapy Pool Space

Merlin’s friends ask for your help in raising $15K-$20K to support the building of suitable space for a newly gifted hydrotherapy pool!!! 

MERLIN’S story started when he was born 6 weeks premature with CEREBRAL PALSY.  Merlin’s tiny 3lb 3oz body struggled from his first moments of life.  The first few days on a respirator and feeding tube in an incubator were frightfully uncertain if he would survive.  His parents Heather and Joe Buczkowski desperately wanted him to be a part of their family in any way they could have him: quadriplegic, nonverbal, health issues … they didn’t care.   At 2 days old, Merlin started to breathe on his own and he gradually started to fight to live. Despite all the fears and unknowns, the Buczkowski’s were so grateful to go home together as a family.  Love and gratitude has gotten this family through some tough times and the daily hurdles: carrying him up the stairs, troubleshooting medical equipment, feeding him every meal, not visiting places because of access limitations, turning him over or fixing his legs after 2 am spasms, etc.  Most recently, Merlin experiences increased seizures, esophageal reflex issues, and severe muscle rigidity throughout his whole body due to insufficient physical and occupational therapy.  It is crushing to be reminded that children like Merlin struggle to live through their 20s or even their teens.  Now 14 years old, every single day with Merlin is a bonus.

Hydrotherapy has been a critical component of Merlin’s prescribed care for gains in freedom and mobility; less stress on joints; relaxed muscles; and decreased swelling, soreness, and pain.   And just as important, Merlin’s water time is the only way he can RELAX and is a major way he can CONNECT with other people since he is not able to connect in other ways.  Receiving continuous access to hydrotherapy is difficult in the best of times given limited pool access, transportation issues and coordination of swim companions.  And now with COVID-19, the obstacles are nearly insurmountable.

So, you can imagine our indescribable joy and gratitude when Merlin was gifted an aquatic THERAPY POOL of his very own.  Not only will this help with Merlin’s muscular and joint issues, but it will also give Merlin the human connection that is so vital for his development and quality of life.  However, there are a couple conditions that we need financial help to make this happen.  First, the pool must be put in a place where Merlin can use it ALL THE YEAR ROUND.  Second, this project must be completed in about one month, and the pool installed by the end of AUGUST 2020. 

Merlin fights to live every day, so we are all pulling together for him.  The Buczkowski family and friends are pooling resources to convert the home’s garage into a four-season space for Merlin’s new pool.  Winchester Design of Swanton VT has drafted plans for the renovations and is wasting no time in starting the construction.  We are so thankful for all the time that is being committed, but there is still so much that must be paid.  We urgently need your financial support to make Project Merlin a reality. 

Please consider making a donation and sharing with your FB friends and family to help us reach our goal and make Merlin’s wish come true. Your generosity in support of this unique and special project is profoundly appreciated!

Financial donation options:  1) Use the GoFundMe link for electronic transfer, or 2) make a check payable to Winchester Design c/o Project Merlin at 25 Spring Street, Swanton VT 05488. All proceeds will go toward this project.

Professional donation options:  Please contact David Winchester directly to arrange the donation of products or services to facilitate the project such as drywall, materials, plumbing, etc.