Mobility 'challenged'

Update on Rylee's mobility 'issues'. As many of you know already, we've been trying since April to get Rylee in for a wheelchair fitting at our local mobility company. You all know how involved I am in Rylee's care, and can imagine how difficult it is for me when I have to wait and depend on others. The Leckey rep came down from Columbus to meet us with a MyGo seating system. The difference between it and the KidKart is startling. Rylee was actually comfortable in the MyGo-and it keeps her properly positioned everywhere. She has just enough movement to wiggle her hips or pull her legs into a frog position. The MyGo prevents this from happening-and finally...a seat where her arms don't dangle (is that the 'Hallelujah Chorus' in the background?). I think they decided to combine the MyGo seat with an OttoBock stroller base. The new head support keeps her head in midline and will be a huge help with her therapies. Please pray that Medicaid will approve this new product. It can be difficult getting authorization for something that isn't considered the 'norm.' (KidKart, Zippies, Quickies) Also, the state only allows for one wheelchair every five years-making it beyond important to choose the correct product now. The usual for other kids with low tone don't fit Rylee's extensive needs and finding a wheelchair that keeps her safe and properly positioned at all times will help with her overall health.
She sort of looks a bit like she's preparing for a roller coaster ride at Kings Island...but it's worth it to see her cute face! It's still crazy to see her sitting upright! The Leckey rep was surprised by how big she is at such a young age.





On to another topic-Rylee's Rally 2009! As you know, our first resource fair for special needs children was held this past March. We had 57 attending vendors and a little over five hundred people come through the doors. Well, this year we stepped out in faith and decided to rent the Field House. I know...yikes! But in true 'Field of Dreams' fashion...I really believe that if we have this resource fair again, 'they will come.' grin
About two weeks later, one of Rylee's vendors call. Not only does he want to sponsor the resource fair...(drum roll)...his sponsorship covers the entire rental fee! I know!
While we know we need to accept public/commercial sponsorship, I was concerned it would make the resource fair too commercialized, not as family centered. Now the money raised will once again go directly to the day's activities and providing a fun, informational environment for attending families.This year we are planning to organize a community fund raiser to give back too. We were fortunate enough to meet some wonderful, compassionate bikers last year at a poker run. We celebrated Rylee's third birthday raising money for Make A Wish at the run. Our hope is to do something similar at each Rylee's Rally-each year choosing a different non-profit to donate all the proceeds to.
We'll keep you updated on our progress! It's exciting to offer other families what we have from our family, friends, and vendors-unconditional love and support.
Wherever we go...that's where the party is at!

"Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves." --Helen Keller