Our little Alex was born 2 months early, he spent the first 6 wks. of his life in the NICU, and he had severe heart and lung disease when he was born. On his 1st. Birthday, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He was later diagnosed with an immune deficiency, a monogenic form of diabetes, low tone cerebral palsy, and kidney disease.
After extensive and ongoing physical therapy, it was decided that Alex would benefit greatly from leg braces. Our medical insurance had other thoughts on this though. I shouldn't have been surprised, they have declined everything on Alex..including his cancer treatments. However, we were introduced to the Variety Club and because of them, a whole new world has been introduced to Alex. With his leg braces, he can be a kid. Before them, he couldn't hardly walk without falling over. We were in the ER every 2 wks. getting stitches from him falling and splitting his head open. This last December, Alex received a bike that was made specifically for him. To watch that little boy ride a bike brings tears of joy to my eyes every time. He is so proud of his new bike and the accomplishments that he has made.
Having a child with on going medical needs is very hard on a family physically, emotionally, and financially! If it wasn't for the Variety Club, Alex wouldn't have made near the accomplishments that he has made. Because of them, a whole new world has been opened up to him and he get's to be that little boy that he so badly wants and deserves to be.
Our family will always be extremely grateful for the Variety Club ;)