5 YEAR OLD LIAM'S STROKE RECOVERY
Donation protected
Update on Liam's hard work and brave sense of humour from Global TV Edmonton:
http://globalnews.ca/news/2951423/6-year-old-boy-paralyzed-after-trampoline-accident-to-be-awarded-for-bravery/
Written one year ago: My grand-nephew Liam is a tenacious, quirky, funny 5-year-old boy. He loves to be outside, to play with his twin brother and his older brother. He likes camping, rodeos, sledding, horseback riding, reading, and Star Wars. Liam has a terrific sense of humor and loves to play practical jokes. He is a happy, loving boy with a zest for life who wins the hearts of all who know him.
In September of 2015, Liam suffered a severe stroke. He spent 2 weeks in the Pediatric ICU and 9 weeks on a medicine recovery unit at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. He has spent the last five months in hospital as an inpatient on a pediatric rehabilitation unit, and is continuing with intensive therapy in the hopes of regaining some of his motor functions.
The stroke has left Liam with significant disabilities. He is unable to speak or walk. His ability to move is minimal and his ability to communicate is extremely limited. He is unable to swallow and relies on a G-tube for nutrition. While his motor control is severely compromised, Liam’s cognition remains intact. He is able to see and hear and understand what is going on around him. He has retained his sense of humor and continues to smile and work hard despite his severe disabilities. We continue to hope and pray for Liam’s recovery, but we need help to support him with the increasing equipment costs.
Equipment for Liam
1. Kidwalk 2 ($4900) – this is a supportive walker that allows Liam to practice stepping and allows him to stand comfortably to stretch his muscles. We like this walker because it is so open in the front – Liam can get close to a table without being hindered by the supports. He has a clear preference for this walker and is always excited to get to use it. There is no government funding available for this walker.
2. Power wheelchair assistant control ($1500) and headrest ($100)– Once Liam is approved for a power wheelchair, AADL will cover the basic cost of the chair. We are fundraising for an assistant control for this wheelchair. If Liam gets into a tight space and can’t drive himself out or if he gets fatigued and is no longer able to drive his chair, the assistant control will allow another person to drive the chair for him. This wheelchair weighs over 200 lbs, not including Liam’s weight. This control will allow us to use the motor to move the chair if needed. We are also campaigning for a second headrest. AADL covers one headrest that is meant to be transferred between Liam’s power chair and his manual chair. We need a second headrest of a different design to fasten the head switches Liam uses to control the steering.
3. Commode ($700) – AADL covers the majority of the cost of the commode, but they cap their contributions. The remaining portion is left to the client to cover. We know Liam is able to go to the toilet, but needs to feel supported and safe. This commode offered the best support and also can be used as a shower chair for a roll in shower.
4. Stair lift ($4595) – Liam is a growing boy and it is getting increasingly difficult to carry him up and down the stairs to get him to his bathroom and his bed. This lift will allow him to be safely transported up and down the stairs as needed.
5. Van Hydraulic Lift ( $20,000) - Liam's family needed to fit a van with a power lift so that they can get his heavy chair in and out. (They did not ask to have this included, but I know that they will be paying for it for a long time, so I thought I would add it to the list.)
We are so very grateful for your support. Please keep his family in your prayers as they support Liam and adjust to their new normal. Please share this campaign with your family and friends.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2951423/6-year-old-boy-paralyzed-after-trampoline-accident-to-be-awarded-for-bravery/
Written one year ago: My grand-nephew Liam is a tenacious, quirky, funny 5-year-old boy. He loves to be outside, to play with his twin brother and his older brother. He likes camping, rodeos, sledding, horseback riding, reading, and Star Wars. Liam has a terrific sense of humor and loves to play practical jokes. He is a happy, loving boy with a zest for life who wins the hearts of all who know him.
In September of 2015, Liam suffered a severe stroke. He spent 2 weeks in the Pediatric ICU and 9 weeks on a medicine recovery unit at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. He has spent the last five months in hospital as an inpatient on a pediatric rehabilitation unit, and is continuing with intensive therapy in the hopes of regaining some of his motor functions.
The stroke has left Liam with significant disabilities. He is unable to speak or walk. His ability to move is minimal and his ability to communicate is extremely limited. He is unable to swallow and relies on a G-tube for nutrition. While his motor control is severely compromised, Liam’s cognition remains intact. He is able to see and hear and understand what is going on around him. He has retained his sense of humor and continues to smile and work hard despite his severe disabilities. We continue to hope and pray for Liam’s recovery, but we need help to support him with the increasing equipment costs.
Equipment for Liam
1. Kidwalk 2 ($4900) – this is a supportive walker that allows Liam to practice stepping and allows him to stand comfortably to stretch his muscles. We like this walker because it is so open in the front – Liam can get close to a table without being hindered by the supports. He has a clear preference for this walker and is always excited to get to use it. There is no government funding available for this walker.
2. Power wheelchair assistant control ($1500) and headrest ($100)– Once Liam is approved for a power wheelchair, AADL will cover the basic cost of the chair. We are fundraising for an assistant control for this wheelchair. If Liam gets into a tight space and can’t drive himself out or if he gets fatigued and is no longer able to drive his chair, the assistant control will allow another person to drive the chair for him. This wheelchair weighs over 200 lbs, not including Liam’s weight. This control will allow us to use the motor to move the chair if needed. We are also campaigning for a second headrest. AADL covers one headrest that is meant to be transferred between Liam’s power chair and his manual chair. We need a second headrest of a different design to fasten the head switches Liam uses to control the steering.
3. Commode ($700) – AADL covers the majority of the cost of the commode, but they cap their contributions. The remaining portion is left to the client to cover. We know Liam is able to go to the toilet, but needs to feel supported and safe. This commode offered the best support and also can be used as a shower chair for a roll in shower.
4. Stair lift ($4595) – Liam is a growing boy and it is getting increasingly difficult to carry him up and down the stairs to get him to his bathroom and his bed. This lift will allow him to be safely transported up and down the stairs as needed.
5. Van Hydraulic Lift ( $20,000) - Liam's family needed to fit a van with a power lift so that they can get his heavy chair in and out. (They did not ask to have this included, but I know that they will be paying for it for a long time, so I thought I would add it to the list.)
We are so very grateful for your support. Please keep his family in your prayers as they support Liam and adjust to their new normal. Please share this campaign with your family and friends.
Organizer
Coralie J Banks
Organizer
Calgary, AB