It’s natural for 2 year olds to be curious. They want to grab, shake, and eat (!) everything they can get their hands on. For Derek, however, being curious can be a bit frustrating when you can’t hold anything heavier than a few ounces.

At three weeks of age, Derek was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA 1). This rare autosomal recessive genetic condition destroys motor neuron function. Because of this, Derek has severely limited movement (needing to be carried everywhere and turned during sleep), respiratory complications, and loss of swallowing ability.

To assist with his needs, Derek’s family (Mom Megan, Dad David, and 6-year-old brother Alex) have had to adapt their home dramatically. Derek is constantly monitored either by family members or nurses. He needs to be fed every four hours during the day and is attached to a feeding pump at night. He has equipment to assist with breathing, suctioning, and movement.

Despite these hardships, Derek is a smiling trooper. With regular cognitive functioning, Derek is aware of his surrounding and wants to participate in all activities. Outdoor activities require a personal cooling system as Derek has difficulty managing his body temperature.

Not surprisingly, the costs for Derek’s family are mounting. While David continues to work as a member of the New York Police Department, Megan has been on child care leave to take care of Derek’s needs. Financial assistance will allow the family to continue purchasing the necessary components of Derek’s treatment and the desired extras to give Derek a happy life.

Your donation can help us share a bit of happiness, hope, and comfort in the lives of Derek and families like his. Please consider a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

Like most little brothers, Michael (aged 10) looks up to his big brother. Bobby (only two years Michael’s senior) realizes, however, that Michael’s adulation is a bit different than that of other little brothers. At the age of 4 1/2, Michael looked to be as athletic as his brother. However, he often complained to parents Rob and Theresa about pain in his legs. What seemed to be nothing of great consequence at first, a regular doctor’s visit combined with blood tests confirmed something much more serious – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This disease (affecting 1 in 3500 boys worldwide) is the leading fatal genetic childhood disease. Devastated by the news, Theresa (pregnant at the time) worried that her unborn child may also be a carrier of the disease. Fortunately, that was not the case. Michael’s new sister Victoria was born in good health.

While Michael has been able to attend school, his regiment requires a lot of help on the part of his parents including regular stretching, electrotherapy, aqua therapy, and more. The parents began the charity Michael’s Cause in order to help raise awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and funds for the research cause.

Michael’s mobility remains intact for now, although a scooter is used on longer trips. Steps are proving to be too difficult for Michael to climb, and plans are in place to renovate the family home to add a first floor bedroom, bathroom, and elevator. Dad Rob (a sergeant in the NYPD) has received assistance from Staten Island (NY) Building Foundation to make the necessary renovations, but costs still remain high.

Your donation can help us share a bit of happiness, hope, and comfort in the lives of Michael and families like his. Please consider a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

 Make a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

Being a princess is something many little girls aspire to. However, with Gabby, it is a Cinderella story much different than your typical tale.

At only 10 weeks old, Gabby was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that claims the lives of 90% of affected children before the age of 1. Gabby’s mom, Suzanne, was able to acquire from hospitals and doctors numerous machines that would allow Gabby the ability to breathe. She had also lost the ability to swallow and needed a feeding tube to receive nutrition. She had over 10 long-term hospital visits during her first year alone.

Today, Gabby is 8. While this has certainly exceeded doctors’ expectations, she is confined to a wheelchair as she cannot move or support her head. She is unable to speak, utilizing eye typing software to communicate. She requires a life support ventilator at all times as well as other machines that measure her oxygen levels, trachea, and heart rate. This constant care requires 24-hour nursing, although a nurse is not always available to give Gabby the care she needs.

Suzanne needed to quit her job as a teacher in order to care for Gabby when nurses were unavailable. While mom is needed for care, the lack of income has become very trying on the family (which includes older daughter Madison, aged 9). A single mom, Suzanne is left to keep the family afloat emotionally and financially.

Recently, the family was able to acquire a van to allow Gabby to take outings – something she truly enjoys. Despite her physical handicaps, Gabby’s mind is 100% intact. She enjoys reading, horses, and having her hair and nails done – anything to be a princess. In fact, “Princess” is the moniker that her schoolmates gave her. Yes, Gabby attends school two times a day via Skype. Her classmates love her. She returns that affection serving as her class’s “birthday club” president.

With a great support system, this favorite daughter of Monroe, NY has the care and love she needs. However, even Cinderella needed a hand from her fairy godmother. Gabby’s needs far exceed that of a pretty dress and a ride to the ball. Help us give Gabby and her family the fairy tale ending they deserve.

Your donation can help us share a bit of happiness, hope, and comfort in the lives of Gabby and families like hers. Please consider a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

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As a parent, there is nothing quite like watching your child be successful. For parents Josephine and Enrico, this was a regular occurrence when dealing with their daughter Julia. One of four children, this vibrant 12-year-old excelled at all facets of her life whether it was in her school, her church, or the playing field. Earlier this year, however, life took an abrupt change.

What began as abdominal pain on a regular spring day turned into a summer full of visits to emergency rooms, doctors, and specialists of every kind with the same results – an undiagnosed condition. Some medical professional even suggested that the fevers, back and neck pain, rashes, hair loss, decreased mental status, twitching, and slurred speech were conditions that were “all in her head.”

Today, Julia is in a wheelchair – all sensation in her legs lost – due to what has been diagnosed as a combination of Lyme’s disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, due to the rarity of the condition, her family’s insurance will not cover most of the necessary treatment and physical therapy – treatments such as daily medicines costing around $250 to $400 and surgeries costing between $5,000 to $8,000. These costs are now being paid out of the family’s savings. Julia is also on various supplements to help her body tolerate the meds, detoxify her and protect her and are at a current cost of over $500.00 a month. This has also been a logistical nightmare, with a special organic, paleo diet, which is very expensive to maintain, separating Julia from her mom and siblings to relocate to a family home in Catskill, NY, and deal with all the expenses of running a second home, plus deal with an hour commute to Albany every day. They are a family of six now living on only one salary.

Father Enrico has had to leave his job as a Respiratory Therapist in order to care for his daughter, and the expenses continue to mount. In the meantime, Julia remains an upbeat pre-teen. She is unable to be at school or even be homeschooled as the strain on her brain becomes too challenging after a prolonged period of time. Still, Julia remains a presence at her school. Recently, her schoolmates gathered to form a huge J to photograph themselves in honor of their friend. Here’s a way for you to get in the J with them.

Your donation can help us share a bit of happiness, hope, and comfort in the lives of Julia and families like hers. Please consider a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

 Make a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

There is nothing like being a parent for the first time, except maybe being a grandparent for the first time. For Summer’s family, it was firsts all around – first time parents (Bob and Gina) and grandparents on both sides. Summer brought joy to her new family, but that great joy was coupled with sadness as well. Right before a regularly scheduled well visit, Bob noticed a protrusion in his daughter’s stomach. This led to immediate ultrasounds, CAT scans, and blood samples – all of which led to the discovery of hepatoblastoma (liver cancer).

Chemotherapy started quickly, and Summer has recently completed her second round of treatment. Despite being poked and prodded, 9-month old Summer remains a trooper – delighting nurses and doctors with her seemingly permanent smile.

Despite the excellent care Summer is receiving at NY Presbyterian Hospital, trips into the city from New Jersey are definitely taking their toll. Bob and Gina are planning to move in with family in order to avoid mortgage costs and, more importantly, receive much needed assistance in Summer’s care as they return to work.

Recently, Summer has been making the attempt to walk – always a major moment in a child’s life and a huge source of pride for parents. We want to help make sure Summer and her family experience many more moments even bigger than this one.

Your donation can help us share a bit of happiness, hope, and comfort in the lives of Summer and families like hers. Please consider a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.

 Make a donation to Five Fathers Children’s Charity.