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For those of you I’ve had the opportunity to work with, I’ve likely mentioned that my son Nolan takes swim lessons at Water Safe Swim School. He started swimming at six months old; he’s now two and a half. Ginny Ferson, owner of Water Safe and my son's instructor, not only is an amazing instructor but an advocate for help in the community when needed. Caleb Sainz is also two years old and a student of Miss Ginny’s. Caleb began swimming at a very young age as well. However, at nine months old his mother began to see that although he had already started to learn how to crawl and roll over, was not bearing weight on his legs when prompted to do so.
In December of 2015, Caleb was diagnosed with SMA Type 2 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a disease that affects both the voluntary and involuntary muscles within his body. This inherited condition ends many children’s lives before adulthood. There’s no cure, and the only treatments available are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the use of wheelchairs. Unfortunately, the Sainz’s insurance company was not willing to provide the proper wheelchair for Caleb and thus his body has been in danger of degrading due to inactivity.
Water Safe Swim School has raised over $4,800 to provide Caleb a brand new wheelchair for Christmas. But the family is in need of additional donations to retrofit their home, allowing Caleb greater flexibility and encourage independence. I truly believe this time of the year is most meaningful in our hearts when we give unto others.
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