THE PARENTS' PLEA

THE PARENTS’ PLEA

The Overcomer
Damian Jr. is a young man full of joy, laughter and musical passion who happens to be medically fragile. He endured a global brain injury at birth and a 26-day stay in the intensive care unit. He has multiple severe medical diagnoses and is currently wheelchair dependent (but determined to walk). He inspires people, young and old, to hope against all odds!

The Challenge
Damian Jr. continues to overcome the obstacles set before him. Currently his home, car and lack of insurance coverage for music therapy have become major barriers to his care, growth and development. “Without intervention his prognosis is poor. It would be a significant intervention to modify his home environment to assist with his medical needs.” – Pediatrician

The Current Situation
Damian Jr. is becoming extremely difficult to care for and transport based on size and full dependence on caregivers for his basic needs of bathing, toileting, eating, etc. We need to move him from upstairs to main level bedroom and have consistent flooring throughout the main level for his walker and wheelchair. Since he is in a critical window of progress, we must ensure his home/car are handicap accessible and ensure that he gets the critical therapy he needs.

The Big Picture
We hope and pray that Damian Jr. WILL…
 Enjoy his caregivers with the right equipment, space, and safety precautions.
 Access fully his environment without barriers.
 Walk throughout his home.
 Cultivate his musical passion.
 Communicate with those he loves.
 Work with his caregivers as they safely care for him without injury or pain due to lifting.
 Travel in a vehicle that safely carries him and all of his bulky and heavy equipment

The Goals
In order to meet critical needs, we need to raise over $60,000 for Damian Jr.
Critical Needs List
*Medical Home Modifications ($30,000)
-Modular Ramp System for wheelchair access into home
-Bathroom modification from half to full handicap accessible bathroom
-Handicap accessible doorways for bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
-Complete Flooring Change on main floor for easy access for walker and wheelchair
-New Bedroom Furniture and organization
-Technological Integration with Assisted Communication Device
*Handicap accessible mini-van with ramp system ($25,000)
*Neurologic Music therapy – 2 sessions per week ($6000/yr) – currently not covered by insurance
*Music Therapy Room ($2500)

We established a medical fund account through Helping Hands Ministries, a 501c3 organization that will give tax deductible receipts for both money and in-kind donations on Damian's behalf. Both individuals and organizations can give.


The Ways to Support – We Need You!
 Pray
 Donate items
 Make monetary contribution (one time or ongoing)
 Identify organizations that have charitable contributions funds
 Spread the word…Spread the word… Spread the word

To make an online donation:

1. Go to www.hhmin.org
2. Click on “Make a Donation”
3. View Project Category and Click on Medical Project in the drop down menu
4. View Project and Click on Boyd Family in the drop down menu
5. Complete Information

If you need additional information or have any questions or suggestions, please contact zboyd1@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your support!