Our Own Sit Skis & More

Courage and love take shape in many forms.  I would like to tell you a true story about a couple I know that have incredible courage and love in its purest form.  Their names are Dave and Tonja.  They have fours sons, two of which have spina bifida and are paralyzed from the waist down. 

Spina bifida is not something anyone wishes on their kids, but Dave and Tonja handle their 24 hour-a-day care with such grace--packing and unpacking two wheelchairs to transport them, mending clothes for the boys who scoot around on  the floor when they aren't in their wheelchairs, and attending numerous doctor visits and surgeries, etc. etc.  When someone says to Tonja, "This must be so hard for you." She says, "I'm a lucky mom."  Dave and Tonja never complain.  Within the last six months, Murray, their youngest boy who is 7 years old and has spina bifida had extensive surgery for a non healing open sore that went down close to the bone.  It required many days in the hospital for him and his parents.  Camren, the other son with spina bifida who is twelve had a 12 hour surgery recently as well to correct severe scoliosis that threatened his kidney and pelvic bone.  Last year Camren became very ill when his shunt for hydrocephalus clogged and he was in the hospital again for several days.  A couple of years ago, Murray fell down some stairs in his wheelchair and his parents nearly lost him.  All of these occurences were very costly and the bills just continue to mount.  In spite of all their challenges, Dave and Tonja don't encourage Camren and Murray to feel sorry for themselves and the boys don't!  They play wheelchair basketball and ski with special equipment ( a program at the National Ability Center), they also take them hiking and carry them - a heavy load!  Dave and Tonja are always exhausted from taking care of Camren and Murray along with their two other teenage boys.  

They live in a modest home and have a modest income.  Because of lack of funds they have no special needs van with lifts or other such things that would help them with their special needs children. They are both hardworking and dedicated to their kids. They do their best to provide for their family without the help of government assistance.  Their family has tried to help them as much as they can, but they are limited as well.  

I know there are many requests for support - no doubt worthy, but these folks are constantly bombarded with thousands upon thousands of medical bills  each year and will likely have more in the future that will be difficult if not impossible to pay.   Such debt takes a toll on their emotional, psychological, and physical health.  I know you would find them an extremely worthy cause.  They are a wonderful family who was dealt a challenging lot in life, but they plug on nevertheless and rarely ask for help.  

 If ever a family needed help (through no fault of their own), this would be the family.  We couldn't stand by and not do something to try to help them.  We appreciate your consideration and hope that if this year has found you in a good spot and you have extra to share, maybe you might consider giving something to this  family.  Thank you.