Help Tatum Stand Tall: Support His Journey

Meet Tatum! Our sweet, lovable, smiley nephew! Tatum is 9 years old and has lived a very tough life up till this point. He has undergone multiple surgeries and medical interventions in order to better his quality of life. Tatum was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephaly which required a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to be placed in order to reduce the level of CSF fluid in his cranial cavity which was putting pressure on his brain. In addition to the primary diagnosis of CP and hydrocephaly, Tatum has also been diagnosed with congenital chorioretinal degeneration in both eyes, non-intractable Lennox-Gastaunt Syndrome, bilateral femoral de-rotational osteotomy, diplegia of bilateral lower extremities, airway clearance impairment, a global development delay, and profound intellectual disabilities. Tatum is GJ tube dependent and reliant upon oxygen. He is wheelchair bound, but in order to prevent further muscle atrophy and wasting in his lower extremities his providers have instructed his parents to purchase a mobility stander in order to strengthen his legs and prevent further contractures. This of course is not a small purchase and presently is not being covered fully by insurance. This stander would enable Tatum to spend time out of his chair, while working to increase his muscle mass and prevent the painful contractures he will experience otherwise. Additionally this stander will promote a more productive airway clearance allowing Tatum to more efficiently clear his respiratory secretions which will result in less of a need for suctioning. In addition to the stander we are hoping to raise additional funds to help Tatum’s father David with the purchase of a handicapped accessible van so that he can more easily transport Tatum and his medical equipment to and from appointments.

Tatum is the happiest little boy and is loved dearly by all of our family and friends. This equipment would make great strides towards improving not only his medical status but his overall quality of life. I am always in awe of how much this sweet baby has been through in his nine short years of life. He is such a strong willed little guy and has fought each and every hurdle that life has thrown his way with a smile on his sweet little face. So if you’re able to help donate to Tatum’s cause it would be greatly appreciated!