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Nick Barry Medical Fund

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Nicholas Barry is a remarkable 15-year-old young man who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Nick was diagnosed in 2005 and has maintained a fairly normal life up until about 5 years ago. Since then, Nick has fought daily to keep his independence and stay out of a wheelchair full time. But it is no longer safe for Nick to live without a wheelchair. Nick has suffered some heart issues related to DMD which have caused him to tire easily.  Nick and his family have fought hard for his independence but DMD is causing more issues in his daily life now.

 DMD is progressing quickly and Nick needs a wheelchair that will be suitable for his needs.  One that has the ability to stand him straight up, lay him flat on his back, and move to many different positions to maintain his independence.   This chair will allow him to stand straight up (to continue to use his tummy muscles and help prevent cramping and constipation) as well as continue to keep his entire body moving as needed!  If he doesn't use his muscles, he loses them! Along with the wheelchair, the family has to have a van to be able to transport him to and from any location.   There will also have to be home modifications to the main living area to transition it into a more suited living space for Nick.

Nicks favorite activities include playing video games with his cousin and going to the movies. Nick is completely dependent on his mom Jan for many daily activities. Nick has a twin sister Emma, older sister Danielle, and best buddy Coco the chocolate lab. He has always had a particular passion for animals and in 2014, the Make-A-Wish Foundation sponsored Nick on a visit to the San Diego Zoo. One of the highlights of his Make-A-Wish experience was that he spent an entire day with the staff and animals at the Zoo’s world renowned Cheetah exhibit. This trip was such a wonderful experience that Nick will never forget. 

Nick is a freshman at Bishop Rosecrans High School. His physical limitations make it difficult to perform simple tasks we all take for granted, but he attends class every day and is one of the most tenacious people you will ever meet. His determination was recognized last year when Nick’s middle school created the “Nicholas Barry Scholarship” – an annual scholarship awarded to a student who displays courage in and out of the classroom and is an inspiration to both his/her peers and teachers.

Insurance doesn’t cover all of the expenses associated with the wheelchair, van, and home modifications and that is where your help is needed.  There will be setbacks and positive steps in Nick’s fight against DMD and his family are trying very hard to address all his needs but every little bit helps, even words of encouragement for Nick and his family.  The proceeds of the Walk/Run/Golf Benefit on October 23, 2016 will help cover the cost of medical expenses, his new wheelchair and other medical equipment.

The Barry’s would appreciate any support they can get to make life a little easier on Nick first and foremost, but also to make the financial worries a little less stressful for his mom.  The family is so blessed to have such an amazing community around them as well as the support from our friends and family members who know and love Nick so much!

His family also ask this of those who love Nick... don't be afraid to ask about his condition, you won't offend them!  They are very open about his condition, and know what they are facing in the future, things will just get harder moving forward.  But having the financial and emotional support of everyone makes things ten times easier for the Barry’s to face these challenges head on!  We will keep you updated on Nick’s progress as we unite as one family to fight this disease.
God Bless you all, and thank you so much for helping this family!
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Danielle Barry
    Organizer
    Zanesville, OH
    Jan Barry
    Beneficiary

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