TheraFriends Community Partnership’s Post

Well, folks, I haven't posted in quite some time. Did you miss me? I've been busy with many things, but one stands out as particularly important to me. It drives me to share this with you, explain its significance, and ask for your help. If you know me well, or even a little bit, you know I don't often ask for help. I usually believe I can do everything myself and work hard to make that belief a reality. However, now I have something that requires a collective effort, as the saying goes, "it takes a village." I have been a pediatrician for over 40 years, and the well-being of children has always been important to me. In addition to my work as a pediatric intensivist and a leader in academic medicine, I have volunteered at, served on boards of, and donated to organizations dedicated to improving the welfare and health of children and families. Now, my husband and I have started a new 501(c)(3) corporation to support children and teens with neurodiversity. Why neurodiversity? Why now? The backstory is that I watched my oldest daughter, a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to providing neuro-affirming care to children with various challenging neurodiverse conditions, become frustrated trying to offer the best possible care in the traditional setting where she worked. So, she started her own company to provide optimal care in a play-like environment, allowing kids, teens, and their families to thrive in a world often unkind to them. This world tries to force their brains to be "normal," frequently using approaches detrimental to their long-term well-being. Her company has created many happy families and thriving children. The problem is that much of this necessary therapy is not fully covered by insurance, and many families cannot afford this life-affirming care. She was devastated to learn how many kids could benefit from such care but had to go without it due to financial constraints. So, we (my husband and I) started a company called Lift Every Child (link to our website is in the comments) with a mission to provide grants to families so they can afford the therapies that will benefit their children the most. The challenge is that until we raise funds, there is no money to give. Therefore, my request to you, my colleagues—many of whom share my love and respect for children—and others who know how important children are in our world is that you visit the website, click on the donation link, and contribute some money. I've hesitated to write this post because I dislike admitting that I need your help, but it is true. I sincerely hope you won't think poorly of me for reaching out this way. I promise to keep you updated on our ability to support the children, sharing stories (with permission) about who we help and how they are doing so you will know the good we are accomplishing together.

Stepping Up for Cerebral Palsy: My Journey with STEPtember Hello LinkedIn community, As many of you know, I live with cerebral palsy. whilst it certainly has its challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and resilience. This September, I'm participating in STEPtember, a global health and wellness fundraising event that supports life-changing cerebral palsy research and disability innovation. Why STEPtember? Cerebral palsy is a prevalent lifelong physical disability, yet it remains significantly underfunded. By committing to 10,000 steps a day, I aim to raise awareness and funds to advance research and develop new technologies that can enhance the lives of people with CP as well as provide critical early interventions for children. This year, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what it means to live with a disability. Cerebral palsy poses significant challenges for me every single day, from physical limitations to societal barriers. However, these challenges have also shaped my resilience and determination. Participating in STEPtember is not just about taking steps; it’s about making strides towards a more inclusive and accessible world. Every step I take is a testament to the strength and perseverance of those living with CP. I welcome you to join me in this meaningful journey. Whether through a donation, sharing this post, or participating in STEPtember yourself, every bit of support contributes. Together, we can create a significant impact. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Let's step up for cerebral palsy! #STEPtember #CerebralPalsy #Fundraising #Inclusion #Accessibility https://lnkd.in/g3ddqwWh

I need your help Could you help me share this in the community Donation page "Urgent Help Needed! My son, Joseph Santiago, is a miracle baby who has been bravely fighting against asthma (J45.909) and PTSD (F43.101) since he was eight months old. He's been through three asthma attacks and a mild stroke, and his condition has been exacerbated by asbestos exposure in our apartment. *Introducing the Brain-Stimulating Car Seat Stroller* As a parent and inventor, I created a revolutionary car seat and stroller to help children like my son, Joseph, who suffers from asthma and PTSD. This innovative device provides brain stimulation to help cure illnesses, develop motor skills, and burn calories. *The Problem:* Many children spend extended periods in car seats, which can hinder their development and exacerbate health issues. *The Solution:* My car seat stroller combines safety, comfort, and brain stimulation, featuring: - A built-in pedal system for kids to exercise and burn calories - A high-chair conversion for mealtime and play - A brain-stimulating activity center for cognitive development *Your Support:* Please donate to help fund the production and distribution of this life-changing invention. Your contribution will: - Support children with illnesses and developmental challenges - Help parents like me provide better care for their kids - Fund research and development for new features and innovations *Donate Now:* ajosawareness.com (https://lnkd.in/eWQJKs3h) *Let's Make a Difference Together!* However, I urgently need your help to make this invention a reality and provide Joseph with the care he deserves. Please consider supporting us through our donation page: (https://gofund.me/8310f827 (https://gofund.me/8310f827)) Every little bit counts, and your generosity will bring hope and healing to Joseph's life. Your support will go directly towards: - Funding the production of the operated car seat stroller - Covering Joseph's medical expenses and therapies - Advocating for safe and healthy living conditions Let's come together as a community and support each other in times of need. Share this post, spread the word, and let's make a difference in Joseph's life! #JosephsJourney #HealingForJoseph #SupportSmallInventors"

ONE POUND/DOLLAR PROJECT: A chance to give an Afikpo Child access to Surgical Care. Approximately 1.75 billion children worldwide lack access to surgical care. Despite surgery being able to address around 30% of the global disease burden, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), up to 87% of surgical needs are unmet. Each year, Nigeria, with a population of approximately 96.3 million children and adolescents aged 0–19 years, making up 54% of the population, sees 2.9 million of them requiring elective surgeries. Without sufficient access to surgery for commonly treatable diseases, many are at risk of disability and higher mortality rates. Today, I stand before you with a call to action that embodies the true essence of compassion and humanity. Imagine a child in an underserved community, facing a health crisis with no access to surgical care. Imagine the pain, the uncertainty, and the fear they endure, simply because they lack the resources to receive the treatment they desperately need. Meanwhile, we have the power to change this narrative. We have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of these children through our support for these Free Surgical Outreach Program. This initiative by the Healthy and Smart Children's Foundation (HASCF), aims to provide life-changing surgeries to children in underserved communities of Afikpo and it's environs, giving them a chance at a healthier and brighter future. We have been able to recruit volunteers who share a common passion, both health and non-health professionals from the community & neighbouring villages. Limited by the funds we have on ground, we can only cover a few cases, but with your support, one pound or one dollar (£1 or $1) we could expand our reach. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. Your contribution could mean the difference between a child living in pain and suffering, or receiving the care they need to thrive. It could mean the difference between a life of limitations and a life full of endless possibilities. These children deserve a chance at living a healthy life, only if we can increase their access to surgical care amidst the ravishing out-of-pocket payment intertwined with poverty. By supporting this cause, you are not just giving money—you are giving hope. You are giving children the opportunity to laugh, play, and dream without the burden of illness weighing them down. You are giving families peace of mind, knowing that their child's health is no longer a barrier to their happiness. It's a non-profit organization close to my heart, where I served as the program manager for over three years before moving abroad for my Masters. Having grown up in this community, I have witnessed countless children enduring conditions that could be treated through surgery. Giving them the needed help now could profoundly impact the lives of these future leaders. A call to participate in this great mission. Continued in the comment session...

As part of our #PurpleTuesday pledge to expand our knowledge and understanding of non-visible disabilities, we invite charities and advocates to present to our team. Over time, we will increase the range of non-visible conditions in our Invisible disabilities index. For World Cerebral Palsy Day, we invited Richard Luke from the charity Scope Karen Watson from Cerebral Palsy Adult Service UK to help us learn more about cerebral palsy. We learnt that: 🌻 Cerebral Palsy is lifelong. It is not just a childhood condition 🌻 Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition that causes physical challenges. 🌻 Early diagnosis and therapy are key to good outcomes 🌻 Globally around 17 million people are living with Cerebral Palsy. There is a stigma around disability which means that young people and adults face barriers to employment and a social life. There are many misconceptions about Cerebral Palsy (CP), but with access to the right support, people living with CP can overcome societal barriers and live the life they choose. 🌐 Support: 1. Cerebral Palsy Teens: https://bit.ly/4eXyVax 2. Cerebral Palsy Adult Service: https://bit.ly/4eUre50 3. Scope Cerebral Palsy Network: https://bit.ly/4eBYYEm #UniquelyCP #WorldCPDay2024 #CerebralPalsy #PurpleTuesday #WorldCPDay #SunflowerLanyard #BeSeenWithSunflower ALT: A green graphic with a yellow Sunflower. Text: Cerebral Palsy. Globally around 17 million people are living with Cerebral Palsy.

Our wonderful member Michael, from Down Syndrome Queensland (DSQ) needs our help!   They are running a crucial mid-year fundraising appeal as funding for their essential support services is ending. DSQ's ability to provide vital services like non-directive prenatal counselling, peer support, and family resources is at risk.    Now is the time for us to come together and show our support!    Here’s how your donation can help: 💙 Give whatever you can spare 💙 $80 connects a peer supporter to a new family for practical and emotional support. 💙 $100 provides 1 hour of non-directive counselling regarding prenatal screening or news of a high-chance pregnancy. 💙 $250 trains public transport staff to improve travel independence and accessibility. 💙 $500 helps businesses understand how to support employees and customers with intellectual disabilities. 💙 $1200 funds four Peer Leaders’ sessions per year, offering guidance and mentorship to people with intellectual disabilities.   To donate or learn more, please visit https://lnkd.in/eMvvWfFr Or contact DSQ at 07 3356 6655 or email office@downsyndromeqld.org.au.   Raising a child with Down syndrome has its challenges and thanks to DSQ, families are never alone. So together, we can ensure that DSQ continues to provide the necessary support to families who need it most.   #DSQFundraiser #CommunitySupport

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗚𝗔 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿! Enjoy live music, dancing, food, good company, cold brews, and the satisfaction of supporting an incredible charity organization. We were invited to participate by our own CGA family member Tim Lietaert from Glazing Concepts, Inc.. This is a perfect opportunity to break-in those sweet cowboy/cowgirl boots ahead of #GlassBuild Dallas. 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:  What: Barn Bash Fundraiser organized by Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy When: Saturday September 28th Time: 6pm – 10pm Who: All who are 21 and older Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gSrkAZRZ About Leaps and Bounds: Friends of Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy Inc, is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt non-profit corporation. It was founded by four members of the community who noticed a severe lack of access to specialty medically-necessary therapy services for children with disabilities in the Inland Empire. Many children do not have medical insurance or the financial resources to pay for necessary therapy services to help them reach goals of independent physical functioning such as walking, dressing themselves, feeding themselves, or accessing school and the community. Working in cooperation with Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy Inc, our mission is to assist economically disadvantaged people with disabilities through providing Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy and Hippotherapy treatments and services at no cost or low cost. Hippotherapy is a highly research based treatment strategy used by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to achieve rapid improvements in functional skills. The cost to provide just ONE HOUR of therapy using this effective strategy is over $300 per hour, making cost a huge barrier to many families of children in need. Medical insurance typically reimburses less than 1/3 of this cost, which has challenged Friends of Leaps to support the other 2/3 to help these families! National Glass Association (NGA) Kevin Carrasco Adam Posik Kristie Rehberger Nathan Seaman Andrew Haring Evan Afenir Regina Policicchio

Blitz Blog – Children’s Respite Homes of America Welcome back to the Blitz Blog. As you may remember, earlier this month, I posted about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Voices blog, entitled A Family’s Palliative Journey Inspires Courage, Hope and Resource for Parents (aap.org), in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the CPN | Courageous Parents Network. I also mentioned that I proudly serve on the Board of the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH), an organization that seeks to expand services for medically fragile children and their families, by helping in the development of more Children’s Respite Homes across the country. Here is more information: Every parent of a medically fragile child dreams of a cure. But their second biggest wish is often much simpler—a chance to rest. Caring for a child with complex medical needs is exhausting, and many parents go for weeks or months without a break. Without the right community services, families feel trapped, overwhelmed, and isolated. That’s where Children’s Respite Homes come in—at least in the few lucky communities that have them. These homes give families a break from the endless caregiving—a chance to rest and recharge. Think of them as extended homes, offering care and support to children who may not live long lives. 🤝 Here’s how you can help: 👉 Donate today to expand these homes and support families on the hardest journeys. 👉 Share this post to connect us with corporate leaders and donors who can help grow our network. Together, we can ensure no family faces this journey alone. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dFCs8Hua #nonprofit #childrensrespitehomes #familycare #giveback #healthcare #respitecare #childrensrespite 

Pediatric Potential Inc. is a non-political, U.S. registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to enhancing pediatric psychosocial care, as outlined by the @United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and World Health Organization (WHO).   We believe that all hospitalized children and families regardless of location, socioeconomic status and diagnosis should have access to psychosocial care, to minimize the stress and anxiety of healthcare experiences.   Many hospitals in high-income countries integrate psychosocial care as a standard part of pediatric services.  In contrast, developing nations are increasingly adopting such models through partnerships with NGOs like Pediatric Potential Inc. and global health organizations.   The benefits of psychosocial care for children in hospital, underscores the critical role it plays in enhancing the overall quality of pediatric healthcare worldwide, and its inclusion aligns with global frameworks such as the UNCRC, which emphasizes the child’s right to comprehensive healthcare, including emotional and social support.   On this GivingTuesday, please donate now https://lnkd.in/eYpbsYyt to support our mission to strengthening the well-being and resilience of hospitalized children and families worldwide.   Thank you   #GivingTuesday #Nonprofit #PediatricPotential #ChildLife #CCLS #ChildLifeSpecialist #Children #Healthcare #Psychosocial #Support #GlobalHealth

Early intervention is a critical pillar of our Journey of Care™ at Beyond Blindness. We are excited to celebrate the introduction of a landmark bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that will establish grants for states and communities to improve children's vision and eye health through a coordinated system of care. Called the Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children (EDVI) Act, it aims to ensure all children will receive screening and care that will help overcome any obstacles and delays caused by a visual impairment. While there are several public health programs that offer support for other areas of pediatric health, this will be the first federally funded program addressing vision and equitable eye care for children. As a leader in early intervention for Orange County children with visual impairments and other disabilities, we believe this is an important step forward in delivering quality care to every family in need. It will not only provide more opportunities for early detection of vision concerns, but also reduce disparities in eye health and remove barriers to care that will put infants and toddlers on the path to achieving their fullest potential. For more information about Beyond Blindness' early intervention services, visit https://lnkd.in/gPb-mQEZ or email Irene Takahashi at irene.takahashi@beyondblindness.org. #BeyondBlindness #OCNonprofit #EarlyDetection #EDVIAct #VisionCare