Will you “walk” with Alex?

Will you “walk” with Alex?

75,000 steps. A feat we never could have imagined when Alex was first diagnosed with Lissencephaly, a rare brain malformation that has severely limited all aspect of his life.

75,000 steps. A goal that we could have only dreamed of as his condition progressed and he was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, a rare form of epilepsy that impacted his intellectual abilities and temporarily paralyzed the left side of his body.

75,000 steps. What seemed like an impossible mountain after receiving a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and intractable epilepsy.

We knew walking seemed like the impossible, but what we hadn’t accounted for was the advancement of technology and the invention of the Trexo Home Robotic Gait Trainer - a system of engineered magic that provides robotic walking to help a user develop strength, endurance, muscle memory and gait. Alex has been fortunate enough to have trialed this system for the past year and can officially say he has taken 75,000 steps, walking his way. What once felt like an impossible dream has turned into a true reality! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to have trialed the Trexo for the past year, but unfortunately, we’ll be forced to return the equipment this month if we don’t come up with $12,388 in the next 10 days. That feels like an impossible number, especially after Mom having to reduce to part-time work to become Alex’s primary caregiver – but we’ve also learned to never doubt what seems like the impossible. So here we are, running a 10-day fundraiser to see if we can meet our goal. But we’re not simply asking (okay, let’s be honest, begging) for your donation, instead, we want you to be a part of Alex’s journey. We know the power of community, the feeling of comradery and the importance of relationships, and so instead of merely fundraising, we’re instead selling “walks” with Alex virtually. What exactly does that mean? – Each donor, regardless of the amount, will get a dedicated day to walk with Alex virtually. During that dedicated day we’ll honor your donation by talking to Alex all about YOU while he’s walking in his Trexo – maybe it will be how we met, maybe a funny story we remember or some of your best qualities, but whatever it is, Alex will get an earful so he can know more about each person who is cheering him on virtually. Also, we’ll take a picture with Alex holding a sign “Today I am Walking with …..”. Our goal is to have a book for Alex filled with the names of those who have supported him through donation and made an equipment extension possible…. And for anonymous donations or if this fundraiser reaches generous strangers who are inspired to participate, we’ll honor your donation by reading a book to Alex during his walk because you are a part of our community (books are his ABSOLUTE favorite!!)

We recognize some people may be reading this and wondering why the Trexo has become something our family is fighting for so hard; to those people, we invite you look to beyond the walking feature:

Yes, we of course realize this is an insane goal, and even crazier is how short of a timeframe we must achieve it, but when it comes to fighting for Alex and the things that bring him joy, our faith and determination is forever endless.

So what do you say, will you “walk” with Alex?

**note, this is an all-or-nothing fundraiser. If our goal is not reached by 3/21/24, all donations will be returned because the price of the equipment is non-negotiable. Please help us share **