Braxton loves to swim.
In his world of doctors, treatments, and medications that sedate him, the water is his escape. We want to buy a swimspa for our house so that Braxton can swim anytime. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to make this dream a reality.
On land, Braxton has a very hard time moving his body. His brain is abnormal in the area that controls muscle movement, and his whole body is very floppy as he has low tone. Braxton struggles to lift his head, arms, and legs, and cannot yet roll over or push up from his belly. Gravity is working against him, and as he grows bigger it is getting harder for his muscles to catch up and carry the heavier load. Although we attend physiotherapy and do daily exercises, it is hard to see our little boy struggle with movements infants can master.
However in the water Braxton is free and in control. I cannot express the joy I had seeing him in his first water therapy class in the Alberta Children's hospital rehab pool. The buoyancy of the water helped to support his core and lift his arms, which allows him to play in our arms without collapsing into a puddle. Then we put a Swimava around his neck and a miracle happened. Braxton put his legs out behind him and started kicking! The next time we had water therapy he added a scoop motion with his arms...he was swimming!
In his world of doctors, treatments, and medications that sedate him, the water is his escape. We want to buy a swimspa for our house so that Braxton can swim anytime. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to make this dream a reality.
On land, Braxton has a very hard time moving his body. His brain is abnormal in the area that controls muscle movement, and his whole body is very floppy as he has low tone. Braxton struggles to lift his head, arms, and legs, and cannot yet roll over or push up from his belly. Gravity is working against him, and as he grows bigger it is getting harder for his muscles to catch up and carry the heavier load. Although we attend physiotherapy and do daily exercises, it is hard to see our little boy struggle with movements infants can master.
However in the water Braxton is free and in control. I cannot express the joy I had seeing him in his first water therapy class in the Alberta Children's hospital rehab pool. The buoyancy of the water helped to support his core and lift his arms, which allows him to play in our arms without collapsing into a puddle. Then we put a Swimava around his neck and a miracle happened. Braxton put his legs out behind him and started kicking! The next time we had water therapy he added a scoop motion with his arms...he was swimming!
We wanted Braxton to be in the pool everyday, and so started raising funds. Previous circumstances prevented us from using the public pools. He has a higher chance of aspirating than other children, making splashing hazardous. Public pools aren't the cleanest of places for children with such complex medical needs. Most pools are too cold for a baby. As well Braxton often seizes in loud public places, such as a pool with many voices. There aren't any pools in our small town, and driving to the hospital pool takes about an hour each way for limited time in the pool. He loves his baths, but he can't doggy paddle around the tub either.
We just want to see our son smile, and having our own pool is one way we can make his tough life a lot happier.
We are truly grateful for any help we receive.
UPDATE: We have been able to purchase a swimspa with your generous donations! THANK YOU!
We just want to see our son smile, and having our own pool is one way we can make his tough life a lot happier.
We are truly grateful for any help we receive.
UPDATE: We have been able to purchase a swimspa with your generous donations! THANK YOU!