Shiloh & Tristan - 8 y/o Twins w/ Cerebral Palsy
Donation protected
Our Story
Cary Swaine is like any parent in the world: willing to do whatever it takes to give his family the best life possible. Cary became a rideshare driver 1.5 years ago, in search of a schedule that would accommodate his children’s frequent hospital visits and medical needs. He’s the loving father of 12-year-old son, Skyler, and 8-year-old twins, Tristan & Shiloh. After being born ten weeks prematurely, and with complications, he and his partner Kelly were given the twins’ diagnosis- cerebral palsy.
“The toughest news you’ll ever hear is that your kids are never going to walk. And you wonder what their futures will be like and how challenged they will be.”
Although Cary drives upwards of 300 miles a day just to make ends meet, rideshare gives Cary the freedom to be his own boss and give himself the day off when needed. Kelly is the full-time caretaker of their three angels.
Travelling to and from the twins’ doctor’s visits and weekly therapy require both Cary and Kelly, the wheelchairs and often additional equipment. It’s next to impossible to transport it all, and they often are forced to take two cars. The wheelchairs take up the entire trunk of his small SUV; even grocery shopping with the entire family is completely out of the question. Even now, Skyler is growing and barely fits in between the twins’ car seats safely. Looking ahead, they know that as the twins grow, so will their wheelchairs.
“It’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever seen, what they have to go through. It’s hard on the family… you don’t just have one, you have two that are going through the same thing at the same time.”
Both Tristan and Shiloh have no use of their legs, with Shiloh also having no use of her right arm and badly affected eyesight. Apart from Shiloh’s recent eye surgery, they will both have complex leg surgeries when they turn 10 years old.
Despite their challenges, they are both remarkably happy kids. Shiloh has an incredible memory and is a constant joy to be around. Tristan taught himself to read before kindergarten was over, and was named the best reader in his class. They both are getting involved and have a caring friends at school.
“You know I’m not a successful person, but the one thing I can measure my success by is the love of my kids. All three of them are really happy kids, and the twins especially because we really try to make sure that they’re taken care of well and have everything they need.”
Tristan and Shiloh have places to go, dreams to pursue and a world to see. Cary and Kelly would love your support in making that happen.
How You Can Help
A van would be life-changing for them. Cary’s current vehicle, an old ‘02 SUV, isn’t meeting his family’s needs and isn’t reliable for long distances. They’re currently unable to afford the dependable, diesel/fuel-efficient van they need in order to give Tristan, Shiloh and Skyler the best life possible. The twins are only 8-years-old, and the Swaine’s need something that will last a long time as Cary & Kelly approach a life of love and caretaking.
“A van would just offer some freedom. We’re stuck in the house a lot because we can’t really go anywhere.”
The Costs
A new van with wheelchair accessibility…… $55,000
Customizations involve:
- Lift accessibility for both wheelchairs / powerchairs {$5,000-$10,000}
- Changing tables and assistive bathroom equipment {$1,000}
- Storage and racks for physical therapy equipment {$1,000}
The ability to fit your family safely and comfortably in one car……………….. Priceless!
“It’s not for me, it’s for them.”
Video Production /Editing /Content - Graciously Donated by Bon Wells Productions
Cary Swaine is like any parent in the world: willing to do whatever it takes to give his family the best life possible. Cary became a rideshare driver 1.5 years ago, in search of a schedule that would accommodate his children’s frequent hospital visits and medical needs. He’s the loving father of 12-year-old son, Skyler, and 8-year-old twins, Tristan & Shiloh. After being born ten weeks prematurely, and with complications, he and his partner Kelly were given the twins’ diagnosis- cerebral palsy.
“The toughest news you’ll ever hear is that your kids are never going to walk. And you wonder what their futures will be like and how challenged they will be.”
Although Cary drives upwards of 300 miles a day just to make ends meet, rideshare gives Cary the freedom to be his own boss and give himself the day off when needed. Kelly is the full-time caretaker of their three angels.
Travelling to and from the twins’ doctor’s visits and weekly therapy require both Cary and Kelly, the wheelchairs and often additional equipment. It’s next to impossible to transport it all, and they often are forced to take two cars. The wheelchairs take up the entire trunk of his small SUV; even grocery shopping with the entire family is completely out of the question. Even now, Skyler is growing and barely fits in between the twins’ car seats safely. Looking ahead, they know that as the twins grow, so will their wheelchairs.
“It’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever seen, what they have to go through. It’s hard on the family… you don’t just have one, you have two that are going through the same thing at the same time.”
Both Tristan and Shiloh have no use of their legs, with Shiloh also having no use of her right arm and badly affected eyesight. Apart from Shiloh’s recent eye surgery, they will both have complex leg surgeries when they turn 10 years old.
Despite their challenges, they are both remarkably happy kids. Shiloh has an incredible memory and is a constant joy to be around. Tristan taught himself to read before kindergarten was over, and was named the best reader in his class. They both are getting involved and have a caring friends at school.
“You know I’m not a successful person, but the one thing I can measure my success by is the love of my kids. All three of them are really happy kids, and the twins especially because we really try to make sure that they’re taken care of well and have everything they need.”
Tristan and Shiloh have places to go, dreams to pursue and a world to see. Cary and Kelly would love your support in making that happen.
How You Can Help
A van would be life-changing for them. Cary’s current vehicle, an old ‘02 SUV, isn’t meeting his family’s needs and isn’t reliable for long distances. They’re currently unable to afford the dependable, diesel/fuel-efficient van they need in order to give Tristan, Shiloh and Skyler the best life possible. The twins are only 8-years-old, and the Swaine’s need something that will last a long time as Cary & Kelly approach a life of love and caretaking.
“A van would just offer some freedom. We’re stuck in the house a lot because we can’t really go anywhere.”
The Costs
A new van with wheelchair accessibility…… $55,000
Customizations involve:
- Lift accessibility for both wheelchairs / powerchairs {$5,000-$10,000}
- Changing tables and assistive bathroom equipment {$1,000}
- Storage and racks for physical therapy equipment {$1,000}
The ability to fit your family safely and comfortably in one car……………….. Priceless!
“It’s not for me, it’s for them.”
Video Production /Editing /Content - Graciously Donated by Bon Wells Productions
Fundraising team (2)
Swaine Family
Organizer
Allen, TX
Bon Wells
Team member
