Hello, we're Ed and Lisa Dassie, the proud parents of Caitlin and Lucas. Lucas is such a fighter
for making it through some real tough times when he was in utero. We believe he held off coming into the world as long
as he could. If he would have come any earlier our kids would have had literally no chance to survive. The complications
we had while pregnant have caused Lucas to have some challenges to deal with for life. He was diagnosed with severe
lung disease (premature lung development), cerebral palsy (brain trauma), vision impairments, and severe acid reflux called
GERD. Lucas almost died several times and has spent almost a year of his life in the hospital.
Lucas has come a long way to get to where he is today and he's doing very well.
Hopefully the worst is behind us for his medical challenges. He still struggles to remain healthy, but overall he's
much stronger. He is now learning more of what he's capable of doing and not just fighting for life. Although
Lucas is not yet speaking, walking or eating solid foods, he is such a happy fella who laughs,
crawls, smiles, attends school, and enjoys every day of his life! We are working hard to get him treatments above
and beyond what's provided from our state resources. We are very actively working on an alternative form of therapy
called the Anat Baniel Method. This method of therapy helps his brain to relearn and regain the capabilities and motor
function that was compromised with his brain trauma. It also helps his consistent development to become all he can be
even with his challenges in life.
Thus far, after
using this form of treatment for just over 1 year, he's improved in his ability to move with greater ease and effort and his
strength has increased as well. He no longer relies on standing aids or leg braces. His vision has also gotten
much better and he sees well without the use of glasses or patching. Lucas' breathing and reflux have improved
and that's because he's becoming more aware of his whole body! We've even seen him have more tolerance to eat easier
and more!
This
treatment of ongoing lessons with different practitioners in and out of state will continue for Lucas due to the rapid gains
we have seen in him. We have focused on this method as his primary treatment to continue to help Lucas develop and grow.
We continue to look into other treatments also and we've seen some incredible opportunities to give young children with challenges
more physical freedom! The cost has always been a huge challenge, but we cannot deny our child or other kids the chance
to become free from their limitations. Therefore we are reaching out for help in this journey. Help to continue Lucas' improvements and help to offer opportunities to other kids and parents that had lost some
hope. We will continue to strive for giving Lucas a life with fewer obstacles, a life with hope and a life with
freedom to MOVE.
Thanks again
for coming here and reading our story. With our efforts to help our son reach new heights we have also sought out ways
to help others in similar situations. Please read our mission for our Non-Profit Organization and see how you can make
a difference in the lives of children who need a little extra help.
May God bless you!
