For many years, my focus was strictly on providing resources to the boys: socks, underwear, warm clothes, shoes, winter hats, coats, gift cards, and computers – things most of us take for granted. It wasn't until I joined Blake on a doctor's visit last year that I realized the proper level of neglect he'd been enduring at the hands of the nursing home. Blake had been at the nursing home for over 2-1/2 years, forced to spend his days in an ill-fitting wheelchair (too heavy and too small) with a piece of plywood as support. Jenny Lieberman, Mt. Sinai Wheelchair Specialist, broke the news to me – I was overwhelmed. Blake's condition had deteriorated dramatically since he was first paralyzed, and now his overall health was in jeopardy. I was stupified. How could this happen? Why doesn't anyone care? How could the system allow him to fall through the cracks? And to be forced to sit on plywood all day? Someone actually thinks this is OK!?!? (see picture if you don't believe me!!)
Since then, with the support of incredible friends and incredible organizations, we've been able to change lives. Every penny raised goes directly to help these kids.
Our newest guardian angel is Lysa Heslow from Children Mending Hearts. Lysa is donating $1000 to Jermaine's care!!!! Lysa also plans to create a fundraising page on her website for Jermaine. Thank you so much, Lysa!! The world is a better place because of people like you!! xoxo
Jermaine is still in the hospital, recovering from surgery to remove infected bone from his hip. A bone that only became infected due to neglect he endured at the nursing home! So outrageous!
Our mission is to move Jermaine out of that nursing home. Breaks my heart to think he has to return back to those conditions.
We WILL get Jermaine into a safe environment, but we need help.
