Blog

Recently we were thrilled to provide a local CT girl with a specialized bike which will help strengthen her legs (and might be fun too!).   Sami is an 18 year old who has had seizures since birth.  She is developmentally delayed and mostly non-verbal, but has a handful of words. She needs assistance with all aspects of daily living skills. Sami is mobile but over the past few years her knees have “collapsed” inward requiring physical therapy and exercise.  The bike we purchased will be a highly motivational and effective way to strengthen Sami’s legs in the proper alignment. One of Sami’s favorite places to use this is at the mall, where her parents bring her quite often.  She can enjoy...

In many communities, there are very few programs that accommodate children with disabilities.  When one parent had heard the benefits of therapeutic riding, and living in a “horse town”, he began to investigate for his son, Zakarai.  After calling 10 local stables, he realized that most were not in a position to accept children with disabilities.  And if one did reply, generally it was only at a rate of double to triple the cost of a non-disabled rider for a ‘therapist’ to accompany.  Unfortunately, this is a common and difficult reality for families of children with special needs. One stable owner, Shauna Perry of Bittersweet Farm in Bethany, CT, had over the years come to know some of these special...

In the summer of 2013 the Foundation was pleased to purchase a wheelchair for Eduardo, a six year old Ridgefield boy who was born with SMA Type 2. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness from degeneration and loss of the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brain stem nuclei. Poor weight gain, sleep difficulties, respiratory complications, joint contractures and paralysis are common complications. There is no cure. Despite his diagnosis, Eduardo is just like his first grade peers. He loves Legos, museums and art. He plays baseball with the Holland League, rides horses at Pegasus and swims.  He has a beautiful spirit and zest for life. But unlike most of his peers he has to...