Raising Money for my Twinnies!

I have blogged a lot about my twin boys, Michael and Matthew who have cerebral palsy.  They are a source of joy and inspiration for my family and for those around them.  The twins receive their physical and occupational therapy at Progressive Pediatrics in Tallahassee.  It is here that I first learned about a relatively new therapy called "Therasuit Therapy".  Therasuit Therapy is a holistic approach to treating children/adults with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries.  It is a 3 week, 5 days, 3 hours a day therapy.  Here is a definition of the therapy according to www.allkids.org: 

 

What is the Therasuit Method® Intensive Program?

Therasuit Method Intensive Program (sometimes called TMIP) is an intensive individualized therapy program that accelerates functional progress. The program uses the Therasuit® (a soft canvas suit with bungee-like cords attached) and the Universal Exercise Unit (“Spider Cage”) to allow the child to learn new & correct patterns of movement through strengthening and functional skills practice. The Therasuit Program is ideal for those looking to meet functional goals at an accelerated rate as compared to traditional therapy.

Goals of the Therasuit Progam

• Improve independence with activities of daily living (self-care, feeding & dressing)
• Improve body awareness
• Improve motor skills
• Improve balance and coordination

This type of therapy sounds wonderful but, since it is relatively new, it is not covered by any insurance and it costs $6000 per child.  Since I don't have an extra $12,000 lying around I decided to start a fundraiser to raise money so the boys could receive this therapy.  The therapists at Progressive feel Michael and Matthew would benefit greatly from this therapy. 

 

So, here I am asking for you to get the word out about this fundraiser and if possible, consider a donation.  No donation is too small or too big!  I see this therapy as a great opportunity for the boys to accelerate their progress toward a more independent life.   Please visit my fundraising website at:

 

www.gofundme.com/michaelandmatthew

 



 As any parent would, you want the best for your child.  I want the best for all my kids but, the Michael and Matthew need more than the "average child".  I know we will meet or exceed our goal and the boys will get this therapy.  I can't wait to see the results!!!

 

Thank you for your consideration!  Please help my superheros reach their full potential!

How the Olympics Have Inspired Me



XXX Olympiad



Oh, the Olympics! 

In years past I was not an Olympics fan.  I think the reason for this is that I wasn't a very huge sports fan.  The Olympics only interfered with regularly scheduled programming.  Over the past 12 years, my husband has slowly gotten me into watching them.  At first, I went kicking and screaming to watching them, but as each year passes I see more and more the magic that the Olympics has to offer.

The first Olympics I really remember enjoying was the 2008 Olympics in Bejing.  This was the first time I was introduced to the likes of Michael Phelps.  I still remember articles on the web about his 10,000 calorie diet (or something like that).  Fast forward to the 2012 Olympics in London and I am hooked.  The kids have really enjoyed it too.  Our daughter gets out the American  Flag and starts waving it!  I love the patroitism that is stirred in my soul.

What has me drawn into the Olympics is the stories behind the athletes.  The work and obstacles some of these people have overcome to get there, to me is unimaginable.  It is unimaginable to me because I am in awe of the patience a person has to have to endure all of that for just a few minutes in time.  In some cases, like in the 100m, a few seconds! 



You are not disabled by the disabilities
you have, you are ABLE by the abilities you have
-Oscar Pistorius



There are quite a few that have impressed me like Missy Franklin, Gaby Douglas, but the one that has caught my attention the most is Oscar Pistorius.  If you haven't heard of him, he is the double-amputee that is running in the Olympics.  Now, those are 2 words you don't typically hear in the same sentence: double-amputee and running!  If you don't know about this guy, you need to find out more about him.  He inspires me in so many ways and I can't help but think about Michael and Matthew when I see him.  To me Oscar Pistorius is an amazing example of what a human being is possible of doing.  He is an example of what the human spirit can achieve.  He made something seemingly impossible a reality.  I see his story and stories of people similar who overcame, what seemed to be insurmountable odds, I am filled with hope.  I have hope for Michael and Matthew that they will overcome the limitations that they were born with.  They will be another example of the power of self and more over the power of God. 

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." -2 Cor 12:9

There is so much more I say about Oscar but, all one has to do is look at his life and that says it all. 

I am a believer in the Olympics now, well I guess I am a believer in the effect the Olympics has on people.  What effect is that?  It brings out the best in these athletes and I think it brings out the best in us who are watching.  I know for me, it gives me hope; not just for the twins, but for all my children and for all of us.

If you are watching the Olympics, how has it spoken to you?