Nice gesture: Mayor Nancy Backus visits Trenton Heuring Smart and a friend while volunteers build a ramp for the Auburn boy last Saturday. COURTESY PHOTO Volunteers gave their time and expertise to build a ramp for an 11-year-old Auburn boy last Saturday. Trenton Heuring Smart was born with cerebral palsy and has seizures. He cant walk or speak. The ramp will help caregivers transport him in and out of his home for safely. The ramp was made possible through the efforts of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Dunn Lumber, Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau and volunteers. Mayor Nancy Backus stopped by to visit Smart, his family and caregivers and thank the volunteers. Members of the Master Builders Association, through dedication, hard work, and the donation of their time and talent, continue to work to improve the lives of individuals and families in communities. Since 1993, more than 440 ramps have been built and $1.7 million of in-kind donations provided. See the original post here: Boy with cerebral palsy receives ramp during Master Builders Association Rampathon - Auburn Reporter … Continue reading →

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination APPROXIMATELY 1,800 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year and there are an estimated 30,000 children with cerebral palsy in the UK. But what is cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms and what causes it?Heres what you need to know. Getty Images Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination. Its usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth. Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy arent obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a childs life. According to the NHS, symptoms can include: The severity of symptoms can vary some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled. Getty Images Cerebral palsy can occur if a babys brain doesnt develop normally while in the womb or is damaged during or soon after birth.Causes include: In many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy isnt clear, but the following factors can increase the chances … Continue reading →

CHENEY, Kan. (KWCH) -- Like a proud parent, Gay Gower talks about her grandson's accomplishments as he graduates from Cheney High School in Cheney, Kansas. "For his use of technology with his chair, he received Infinitech outstanding technology achievement," she said. But that's not all. Her grandson, Dustin Gower, has also been featured in his high school newspaper multiple times. "He made some artwork and he donated that as part of their community school service day," Gay said. The recognition means so much for the family because Dustin is a unique 17-year-old. "He has cerebral palsy," Gay said. "He was born prematurely and it's been in effect since then. It was diagnosed when he was nine months old." But, his diagnosis has not stopped Dustin. With the use of special buttons and handles, Dustin is able to move himself around on his wheelchair by using only his hand, chin and mouth. "Just because you don't have use in a certain limb, it doesn't mean you can't use another one," Dustin said. To bring awareness to the many things people like Dustin can do, he created a Facebook page called Do not look down at a handicapped person. "I don't want … Continue reading →