Hayden’s Heroes

Hi! I am Michelle and I am raising money for a wheelchair accessible van for Hayden.

Hayden is a 17 year old handsome young fellow with a complex medical history that started when he was two. Hayden was healthy and a curious young toddler until he began having seizures at age 2. Hayden’s seizure disorder—Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, has affected his development causing global delays and many other health related problems. Hayden is non-verbal, has many tendencies like those on the Autism spectrum. He is fully dependent on his parents—Tim & Amy for all of his needs from personal care to transferring in/out of his wheelchair and everything between.

Lennox Gastaut causes Hayden to have daily seizures, https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/syndromes/lennox-gastaut-syndrome. Hayden’s seizure activity waxes and wanes daily. Some days Hayden has no seizures and the next day he could have 10+. Hayden’s seizures occur over night and in the early morning hours.

Hayden has had many growth spurts through the years and since turning 13 years old has quickly lost his ability to walk or help get in/out of the van with assistance. Hayden requires total assistance from his parents to get in and out of his wheelchair as he is unable to bare weight on his legs. As Hayden continues to grow—as we know, boys have many growth spurts—it is becoming more difficult for Hayden to manage his size and body weight, this will continue to place increased dependence on Tim and Amy.

Hayden’s parents must physically lift Hayden into their van and secure him into the seat for Hayden’s medical appointments and therapy. He also participates in community activities and family events. It is increasingly difficult for Hayden to get in and out of the van, the amount of time and energy it takes to get him in/out increase stress on Hayden’s musculoskeletal system, increase in a risk of falls and the risk of injury to Tim and Amy continues to escalate. Tim/Amy have to physically lift Hayden’s wheelchair into the back of the van (the wheelchair weighs about 60 pounds).

Hayden’s parents have altered many aspects of their life to meet Hayden’s life needs. Tim has assumed the role of primary caregiver and gave up his traditional job to care for Hayden several years ago. Amy works a traditional job while caring for Hayden in the evenings and weekends. While Tim and Amy work together to meet Hayden’s needs, they never complain or ask for help/assistance.

The ability to easily and quickly load Hayden into a wheelchair accessible van would be life changing for their family. It is difficult to travel anywhere with a child who has special needs, but Hayden’s many doctor and therapy appointments make travel necessary.

Tim and Amy are superhero parents. They have been our friends since we met in 1999. We adopted our children at the same time. They are the most patient, loving and nurturing parents I have ever seen. Hayden comes first in their home and they meet his needs beyond expectations. Things that you and I sometimes take for granted, like going on vacation, eating dinner at a restaurant, going to a movie, or taking our kids to fun activities are all nearly impossible until Hayden has a wheelchair van. They are not ones to ask for help and are frugal with their earnings/savings. However, wheelchair vans are not cheap, the current cost of wheelchair accessible vans average $40,000+. Hayden does have insurance but it does not assist with the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van.

Many of us are believers in modern-day miracles. I being one of them! Will you join me in prayer for a van to come available that will meet their needs. Would you consider being a “Hayden’s Hero” and partner with us to help provide this van for Hayden’s Family? Every amount helps!