Kinesis for Kaplan
Donation protected
When life hands me lemons, I tend to make lemonade on my own. I rarely ask for help. Inspired by GoFundMe campaigns like "Booze Money", "Buying Dave Grohl", and most recently Michael Cohen's campaign the "Michael Cohen Truth Fund" to cover his legal expenses, I've decided to reach out.
My son Kaplan, now age 3.5 years, was born with an inoperable brain tumor. The lemonade is that the tumor is NOT cancerous (we are blessed). The lemon is that it can't be removed or shrunk, and it grew in the place of where another structure should have grown (the Corpus Callosum). This structure connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Without this structure, the two hemispheres struggle to communicate. Functions such as learning, gross motor skill function, coordination, balance, and control of body functions can be a challenge for these children. Seizures are also a common occurrence in people who have been given this diagnosis (Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum). There is NO cure, but with a great team of Neurologists, Opthomoligists, ENT Specialists, Endocrinologists, Physiotherapists, Orthoists, Chiropractors, and hard work & determination, we can help these kids reach their full potential - whatever that may be.
Thus, the Kinesis for Kaplan campaign. Kaplan is a lovely, happy and affectionate young boy. He is generous, compassionate, and has a great imagination. Where he struggles, however, is in physical prowess. He wore a helmet until he was 11 months old, helping to correct 2 flat spots on his skull because he literally didn't move as an infant. He didn't crawl until he was 2. He wears small ankle braces to help correct his malformed legs, due to his muscles not developing at the same rate as a "normal" child. For lack of a better term, his balance and coordination SUCK. He can't even catch a ball gently tossed at him (I tried - from about 2.5 feet away, gentle underhand toss, and hit him square in the face. . . I felt horrible).
Basically, he'll likely never make "Athlete of the Year" in any sport during his youth, unless there's a prize for "Waterboy of the Year". . .
He has shown absolutely zero interest in any physical activity whatsoever, which is fine, other than physical activity is very important for overall wellness. He has actually cried, not wanting to go into a bouncy castle at a Birthday Party, because he said he gets "frustrated" because he cant stay up and jump when the other kids can, so he doesn't even try.
Having said this, however, the ONLY activity he has shown any interest in, and in fact, is enthusiastic about, is SWIMMING! Of course - because I hate swimming. I hate getting wet, I don't like the activity of swimming, and my coordination-challenged and all-other-sport averse child LOVES swimming. So what is a parent supposed to do? Put all of their own dreams, wishes and goals on hold to get a pool installed so their child can swim every day, exercising muscles that would otherwise stagnate, working on his coordination, and gaining confidence in his physical ability (not to mention learning how to swim is a life skill!).
So here is my appeal to you - please help me raise funds to pay for a pool for Kaplan. He was born with conditions that affect his ability to move - affect his Kinesis. The ONLY activity he is even slightly interested in doing is swimming. The Kinesis for Kaplan fund will help pay for his pool so that he can swim as often and as long as he desired, helping to improve his physical ability and confidence in himself. $10, $15, $20 - I'll be grateful for donations of any amount at all.
If people can generate funds for "Booze money", "Buying Dave Grohl" or "Michael Cohen Truth Fund" to cover legal expenses, I figured I needed to take a chance and see if I can generate any funds to help my little man.
Thank you for your time.
Even if you chose not to donate, thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I hope it has at least left you with a better understanding of Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum.
Take care of yourself and others :)
Amber
(Kaplan's Mom)
My son Kaplan, now age 3.5 years, was born with an inoperable brain tumor. The lemonade is that the tumor is NOT cancerous (we are blessed). The lemon is that it can't be removed or shrunk, and it grew in the place of where another structure should have grown (the Corpus Callosum). This structure connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Without this structure, the two hemispheres struggle to communicate. Functions such as learning, gross motor skill function, coordination, balance, and control of body functions can be a challenge for these children. Seizures are also a common occurrence in people who have been given this diagnosis (Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum). There is NO cure, but with a great team of Neurologists, Opthomoligists, ENT Specialists, Endocrinologists, Physiotherapists, Orthoists, Chiropractors, and hard work & determination, we can help these kids reach their full potential - whatever that may be.
Thus, the Kinesis for Kaplan campaign. Kaplan is a lovely, happy and affectionate young boy. He is generous, compassionate, and has a great imagination. Where he struggles, however, is in physical prowess. He wore a helmet until he was 11 months old, helping to correct 2 flat spots on his skull because he literally didn't move as an infant. He didn't crawl until he was 2. He wears small ankle braces to help correct his malformed legs, due to his muscles not developing at the same rate as a "normal" child. For lack of a better term, his balance and coordination SUCK. He can't even catch a ball gently tossed at him (I tried - from about 2.5 feet away, gentle underhand toss, and hit him square in the face. . . I felt horrible).
Basically, he'll likely never make "Athlete of the Year" in any sport during his youth, unless there's a prize for "Waterboy of the Year". . .
He has shown absolutely zero interest in any physical activity whatsoever, which is fine, other than physical activity is very important for overall wellness. He has actually cried, not wanting to go into a bouncy castle at a Birthday Party, because he said he gets "frustrated" because he cant stay up and jump when the other kids can, so he doesn't even try.
Having said this, however, the ONLY activity he has shown any interest in, and in fact, is enthusiastic about, is SWIMMING! Of course - because I hate swimming. I hate getting wet, I don't like the activity of swimming, and my coordination-challenged and all-other-sport averse child LOVES swimming. So what is a parent supposed to do? Put all of their own dreams, wishes and goals on hold to get a pool installed so their child can swim every day, exercising muscles that would otherwise stagnate, working on his coordination, and gaining confidence in his physical ability (not to mention learning how to swim is a life skill!).
So here is my appeal to you - please help me raise funds to pay for a pool for Kaplan. He was born with conditions that affect his ability to move - affect his Kinesis. The ONLY activity he is even slightly interested in doing is swimming. The Kinesis for Kaplan fund will help pay for his pool so that he can swim as often and as long as he desired, helping to improve his physical ability and confidence in himself. $10, $15, $20 - I'll be grateful for donations of any amount at all.
If people can generate funds for "Booze money", "Buying Dave Grohl" or "Michael Cohen Truth Fund" to cover legal expenses, I figured I needed to take a chance and see if I can generate any funds to help my little man.
Thank you for your time.
Even if you chose not to donate, thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I hope it has at least left you with a better understanding of Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum.
Take care of yourself and others :)
Amber
(Kaplan's Mom)
Organizer
Amber Griffin
Organizer
Ancaster, ON
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