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This is Stetson.
At just five years old, Stetson already carries a story of resilience, love, and determination—he’s the bravest kid I know.
His Journey So Far...
Stetson was born with a rare genetic condition called RERE disorder, and has since been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and dystonia. These diagnoses affect his muscle tone, balance, coordination and gross movement.
Yet, challenge does not define him. With a walker and a joyful spirit, Stetson pushes forward every day. He works tirelessly in therapy—physical, occupational, speech and swallow, plus innovative treatments like cold laser therapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber sessions, and chiropractic and therapy intensives. Every small victory is proof of his incredible strength.
The Daily Challenges...
What’s hardest are the little things most 5-year-olds do without a second thought:
- Running onto a playground full of rubber chips.
- Crossing uneven ground filled with bumps and holes to reach his friends.
- Climbing into a play structure and going down a slide by himself—without needing mom’s help to squeeze in alongside him.
- Dressing and toileting independently, because standing tall makes those things possible.
- Picking pumpkins at a patch, walking over gravel in the driveway, or climbing into the car on his own.
These are everyday moments that mean independence, confidence, and freedom. Right now, those simple joys are just out of reach. But with the right treatments, they don’t have to be.
The Road Ahead: Life-Changing Treatments...
Stetson now has an opportunity that fills us with hope:
1. A selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), a surgical procedure to reduce high muscle tone and stiffness, opening the door to smoother, freer movement and use of muscles that just are strong enough to overpower the high tone of his hamstrings, calves, and adductors.
2. A stem cell transplant, designed to encourage healing of the Cerebellum, improve muscle function, and strengthen his potential for lasting mobility.
These procedures are not stand-alone. They are surrounded by intensive support: daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy, advanced tools like hyperbaric oxygen and cold laser treatments, plus specialized chiropractic and therapy intensives. This full circle of care is what will give Stetson the best chance to walk, stand tall, and live independently.
Why Your Support Matters...
The road is full of hope, but also costs—surgical expenses, travel, lodging, and months of therapy before and after. Your support helps lift that burden and directly fuels Stetson’s journey toward independence.
- $50 supports a therapy session.
- $250 covers a specialty treatment like cold laser or hyperbaric therapy.
- $1,000 helps with travel and lodging for specialized care.
Any gift moves Stetson one step closer to freedom!
We’re inviting you to invest in possibility. With your support, these treatments will unlock daily independence for Stetson: playing on a playground with his friends, climbing into the car by himself, walking through the pumpkin patch, and doing all the things every child deserves to experience.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we are giving Stetson the chance to step into a brighter, more independent future.