As many of you know, Porter had a stroke before he was born. He's had many struggles in his development, yet he keeps his happy demeanor! With the therapy he's been receiving, he's been making some progress, but he still struggles with walking correctly at nearly 2 1/2 years. Along with his right arm, which Porter forgot existed -- until recently. And as of now, a 6 month old can still do more than he can with his right hand.
We heard of a company in the area, (actually within walking distance from our home!) that does intense physical therapy and are very innovative in their methods! Intense therap means that they work with the kids for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 3 to 4 weeks. Patients come away with more concrete and consistent results. The company is called the
Now I Can Foundation. And you can see their website
HERE: ------------->
http://www.nowican.org/
A friend of mine with a son who has very similar limitations as Porter knew about their work and she had her son in their program -- and LOVED it! Her son is a year younger and already having MUCH better progress than the current therapy Porter (and her son) received.
The issue here is that the cost for 1 session (3 weeks) is $6,000... and they don't work with insurance. I got an email this last weekend from them with a special deal for Porter. We came in about 2 months ago for a consultation - to see the facilities and what they can do for Porter. There was an opening available for 2 hours a day for half the normal price -- so instead of $6,000, Porter can get in for $1,500!
We felt that we couldn't pass up this opportunity -- so we told them to sign him up! It started the 2nd of November and goes through the 20th. They are willing to work with us, still that's $500/week. We've paid the first payment. When we drain our emergency fund, we'll still be $500 short.
As Dane and I talked about it, we had an idea come to us to see if anyone wants to Pledge for Porter. If we can get just 10 people or families to pledge $50, we can have the therapy paid for! If there are more pledges than this, it'll help keep us from going in the hole and nixing Christmas for the kids... as well as equipment for Porter after the therapy (at home program).
If you would like to help us out -- and have fun watching Porter get stronger -- drop us a line or an email. ANYTHING will be appreciated!
All of us,
The Gilson's
Dane, Jenn, Debany, Myanna, and of course...
PORTER!!!
