Dylan's Path to Walk

Dylan Walter Fendorf was born September 11th, 2018, with Bilateral Clubfoot. He and his family have, and will continue, to endure mounting expenses along the path to see Dylan run, walk and play without being in pain. This fundraiser has been created in an attempt to offset the financial burden felt by the family. Theses funds will be used for medical expenses, handicap accessibility within his home, and transportation to and from the finest facilities the family can afford. Cates Heating and Cooling will be matching donations.

Dylan just celebrated his 5th birthday. He loves running, swimming, playing baseball, doing karate and he loves all things Scooby Doo.

Since birth, he has endured multiple procedures to correct his condition. Beginning with a surgery to cut his Achilles tendons, followed by six weeks of casts in order to turn his feet outward. He then wore braces on his legs and feet for most of his infancy to keep his feet turned out as he grew.

Next, he had surgery to cut the tendons on the bottoms of his feet, followed again by casts in the hope that they would stretch as they grew back together. Unfortunately, this procedure failed to correct his excessive arch. He is now in need of a tendon transfer for both feet.

Instead of a simple incision, this will be a much more extensive surgery. They will fuse new tendons between the ones they will have to cut again. Dylan's orthopedic surgeon stated that this will not be his last surgery. Dylan will wear casts again for six weeks after the tendon transfer, and will not be able to bear weight. For a growing, active and energetic little boy, this will prove to be much more difficult. His family has already begun planning lots of art and construction projects that he will enjoy during his down time.

It is clear that after a lot of walking or running, Dylan's legs and feet hurt. However, he is so stoic. He will never tell or speak of his pain. Dylan is such a loving boy. He helps clean up around the house, he always looks out for his little brother, and he loves giving hugs. If there is one thing his family could share with you about Dylan, it would be his laugh.

Ultimately, we want to see Dylan walk comfortably and for him to be able to run around and play with his sibling, cousins, and friends without being in pain. We want to give Dylan every opportunity to grow up strong and healthy and be able to live an active and happy life as the joyful, energetic, and loving boy he is. With the necessary treatments, and accommodations, he stands every chance to do just that.