<div>Help Cruz Continue His Fight
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<div>Our son, Cruz, has faced more challenges in his young life than most people will ever experience.
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<div>Shortly after birth, Cruz was diagnosed with bilateral schizencephaly, a rare neurological condition that affects brain development. He also developed infantile spasms, a devastating form of epilepsy, suffering nearly 60 seizures every single day. Watching your child endure seizure after seizure is something no parent should ever experience.
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<div>Because of his condition, Cruz is unable to walk or speak independently. Every milestone has required years of determination, countless hours of therapy, and unwavering hope.
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<div>Over the years, Cruz has endured numerous hospitalizations and major surgeries, including bilateral hip reconstruction, muscle-lengthening procedures, and extensive rehabilitation. Following one of his surgeries, he stopped breathing twice during recovery, creating some of the most terrifying moments of our lives.
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<div>Despite every obstacle, Cruz never stops fighting.
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<div>Thanks to intensive therapy, he has made incredible progress. In less than a year, he has gone from the 2nd percentile in weight to the 20th percentile, can now sit independently, has improved muscle strength and control, and continues to make gains that once seemed out of reach. His therapists believe he has the ability to continue creating new neural pathways through intensive, repetitive therapy.
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<div>The challenge is that none of Cruz’s intensive therapy is covered by insurance.
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<div>Cruz currently attends therapy four days every week, at a cost of $600 per day, and his therapy team believes he will need to continue this level of treatment for at least the next two years. That alone represents nearly $125,000 per year in therapy costs, before adding airfare, lodging, transportation, adaptive equipment, and other medical expenses required to get him the care he needs.
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<div>Every dollar raised will go directly toward:
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<div>* Intensive physical therapy
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<div>* Occupational therapy
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<div>* Speech therapy
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<div>* Travel and lodging for treatment
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<div>* Adaptive equipment
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<div>* Medical expenses related to Cruz’s care
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<div>Our goal is simple: to give Cruz every opportunity to become as independent as possible and to continue building on the amazing progress he has already achieved.
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<div>If you are unable to donate, sharing Cruz’s story with your family and friends is an incredible way to help.
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<div>From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Cruz’s story. Your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and support mean more to our family than words can express. Every donation and every share helps give Cruz another opportunity to continue fighting for a brighter future.
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<div>With heartfelt gratitude,
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<div>Erik,Nicole,Cruz 
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Anonymous

Aaron Brandt

Help Cruz Walk Toward Independence

Still $15,370 to go. Help us build momentum.