We are raising money to buy Maria a therapeutic mobility device (we call it a special needs trike). She’s been on one 4 or 5 times at her occupational therapist’s office and loves it! We love it too because she’s well strapped in, she holds her head up in it pretty well, and best of all, her legs are moving all the time, building muscle. It has a handy steering device on the back, so we can push and steer, until she can do it on her own.
Riding the bike, in combination with her hippotherapy (physical therapy on a horse), her stander, and her walker, should improve her ability to walk–not to mention allow her to feel like the other kids who ride bikes. We’re also hoping the exercise will help her breathe more deeply (she gets upper respiratory infections every fall, in part from not breathing deep enough).
Unfortunately, like all things that are special needs, it’s quite expensive, so we’re hoping to get some small donations, to help defray some of the cost. Anyone who’s interested can donate by going to http://freedomconcepts.chipin.com/maria and donate via PayPal. There’s a short bio of Maria and some photos.
Thanks for your consideration!!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I stumbled on your site tonight. (added adaptivemall.com as a friend on facebook). I think your mom is also a fan and she had posted a link to your blog. I am in tears, I have a 5 yr old that has been through many of the same things and LOOKS very similar to your Maria. And until a few weeks ago had the same hair! We use the same stroller and have had almost identical issues with illness this fall. I too have been looking into getting a trike for our little girl. I am so excited that you are well on your way to reaching your goal! Thank you for allowing your blog to be public. Sometimes I feel alone and that no one knows what I go through, even though I am constantly surrounded by children with disabilities. Thank you for sharing your story!
Hi Karen – do you have a blog for your daughter? I find it helpful to write sometimes… If you found any magic solutions to any of our issues, I’d love to hear them!! Good luck to you. I hope to hear from you again.