Nathan Needs Equipment
Donation protected
Nathan was born in 2012 with a rare and complex congenital heart defect, Down Syndrome, a cleft palate and pulmonary hypertension.
Although his defect cannot be corrected, he has undergone 5 palliative open heart surgeries in order to keep his symptoms minimal and keep his oxygen saturations at a reasonable level.
In 2015 during a routine heart catheterization, Nathan’s heart stopped. He endured CPR for nearly an hour and spent two days on ECMO. After ECMO, he developed a large occlusive clot in his leg which did eventually break apart and cause a stroke.
A combination of Nathan’s stroke and his heart defect has left him with little endurance. As he is now 12, a wagon is neither age appropriate or safe and he needs a wheelchair. While we do have private insurance, our portion of the wheelchairs cost remains over $1500.
Nathan is also in need of new orthotics as the ones he is currently wearing are too small. The recent quote we received for these orthotics came to a total of $2111. These prevent his ankles from folding in on themselves and allow him to walk, and keep the mobility he does have.
Finally, Nathan’s Physiotherapist has recommended that we get him an adaptive bicycle. This allows him to be both mobile, and get outside to keep active with his siblings. We have applied for a grant but it will not cover the entire cost of the bicycle. These are not covered by private insurance at all.
We are a single income family due to the ongoing pandemic, and like many others are feeling the crunch. We are grateful for any support but please do not give sacrificially. Nathan is a lovely boy who is filled with joy and loves everyone he meets. These tools will allow him to continue to participate in his community comfortably, and safely.
Although his defect cannot be corrected, he has undergone 5 palliative open heart surgeries in order to keep his symptoms minimal and keep his oxygen saturations at a reasonable level.
In 2015 during a routine heart catheterization, Nathan’s heart stopped. He endured CPR for nearly an hour and spent two days on ECMO. After ECMO, he developed a large occlusive clot in his leg which did eventually break apart and cause a stroke.
A combination of Nathan’s stroke and his heart defect has left him with little endurance. As he is now 12, a wagon is neither age appropriate or safe and he needs a wheelchair. While we do have private insurance, our portion of the wheelchairs cost remains over $1500.
Nathan is also in need of new orthotics as the ones he is currently wearing are too small. The recent quote we received for these orthotics came to a total of $2111. These prevent his ankles from folding in on themselves and allow him to walk, and keep the mobility he does have.
Finally, Nathan’s Physiotherapist has recommended that we get him an adaptive bicycle. This allows him to be both mobile, and get outside to keep active with his siblings. We have applied for a grant but it will not cover the entire cost of the bicycle. These are not covered by private insurance at all.
We are a single income family due to the ongoing pandemic, and like many others are feeling the crunch. We are grateful for any support but please do not give sacrificially. Nathan is a lovely boy who is filled with joy and loves everyone he meets. These tools will allow him to continue to participate in his community comfortably, and safely.
Organizer
Haley Jones
Organizer
Oromocto, NB