Lifting David

David was born 3 months early at only 2 lbs 7.5 oz. At 3 days old, David suffered a brain bleed and his health fluctuated due to him being so premature. After 2 1/2 months in the hospital David was finally able to come with his mom, Cynthia. It wasn’t until David was 18 months old that he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Cynthia was only 26, and also had a daughter, Kim who was 10 at the time. David attended public school with Special Education assistance and he graduated High School in 2004, where he received a standing ovation as he rolled across the stage. David has faced many challenges - 19 surgeries and 30 hospitalizations and has overcome each of them with the loving help of his mother, Cynthia. She has been by his side since his birth, as his full time caregiver.

Cynthia married Kenny in 2010, and he has been a huge part of David and Cynthia’s support system since even before the wedding. Kenny works FT and also does odd jobs in order for Cynthia to be home with David.

The wheelchair accessible van they have had since 2005 is no longer wheelchair accessible. The ramp is broken and the parts to fix the ramp have been discontinued. Therefore they have to purchase a new van to transport David to his appointments. A new van is approximately $50,000. They are hoping to get $5,000 for the trade in value of their current van and they have applied for a grant that would help with the down payment. However, monthly payments at this point will still be about $700 a month. These monies will be taking away from money they need for his day to day needs. As many of you know, David has a great personality and is quite intelligent, even if his body doesn’t work. Family and friends of David are hoping to help “lift” him, not only in prayer but with this necessity as it is Cynthia’s only means of transporting David.