Team Campos at the Spin for Kids Event during Altrus Here for Life Expo.

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Raising a Child with Special Needs

We are a family of six, told Jenny Campos. When our twins were born they were premature at 29 weeks. Bryce has definitely always had more struggles. After he was born he had to undergo heart surgery, he was on a ventilator, and he dealt with other respiratory issues. Over the first year, Bryce was just not hitting his milestones, like crawling or walking. At about 12 months, Bryce was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He visits Altrus Pediatric Therapy two times every week to participate in his physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Everyone is very supportive, noted Jenny. In the beginning we would be there for every appointment, beginning to end. It was difficult at times because we are both working full-time and we are parents to four kids, who are all involved in different activities. Because Bryce is a little older now, Jenny and Daniel are able to rely on the support that is available for families like theirs, including the transportation system that Altru offers. Jenny added, The pediatric team is very helpful. They schedule to accommodate our hours, and the transportation system that is available to take Bryce to and from appointments is great.

something. In 2009, a decision was made through a collaboration of several Altru departments to host an event that would support the needs of children and families. Spin for Kids was created to provide supportive programs, services and equipment to children with special needs within our community and region. All the money raised by Spin for Kids is disbursed to qualifying families to help ease the struggles they face every day and to help their children live the fullest life possible. The first Spin for Kids event, held in April 2010, raised over $22,000. We are so pleased to be able to offer these families support; physically, emotionally, and financially, said Maureen. We knew we wanted to get involved the minute we heard about it, Jenny commented. It was a great opportunity for our whole family to be involved in something we care about. Looking to close friends, family, co-workers, and their employers, the Campos team raised a whopping $4,155. Everyone around us was very supportive and being able to participate in Spin for Kids was very rewarding.

Spin for kids

Every day we witness families in need, said Maureen Riley, supervisor of Altrus Pediatric Therapy Services and Spin for Kids co-chairperson. We knew we needed to do

Assistance is Available
The Spin for Kids Disbursement Committee granted its first two requests for funds this summer. Dollars raised by

Spin for Kids helped these two families cover the never-ending costs of co-pays for medical appointments, as well as hyppotherapy, a nonconventional therapy performed on horses, which is not typically covered by insurance.

As the Campos family can attest, all of the medical bills add up. Based on things like income and insurance plans, families arent always able to receive coverage or apply in order to help pay the bills. The Campos family was one of the families who received disbursement funds. We were very grateful to receive the money. The funds were used for Bryces therapy and some additional medical costs.

Every day we witness families in need, said Maureen Riley, supervisor of Altrus Pediatric Therapy Services and Spin for Kids co-chairperson. We knew we needed to do something.

funds, the application can be found on altru.org/spinforkids. If you have questions, please contact Diane Gunderson, chair of the Spin for Kids Disbursement Committee at (701) 780-1540.

Baked Goods and Big Smiles

In preparation for next years event, the Spin for Kids Committee and parents of pediatric therapy patients are kicking things off with a bake sale. Funds raised by the bake sale will help cover race expenses and ensure that Spin for Kids 2011 is as successful as possible. Our goal for Spin for Kids 2011 is to raise over $50,000, relays Spring Bakke, Spin for Kids co-chairperson. We are definitely going to be involved again, added Jenny. Our goal is to double what we made last year. I know that its possible. Jenny concluded with the hope that more families are able to get involved in Spin for Kids 2011. I understand everyone has busy lives, but its one day. It is one special day that we can all get together, have fun, support one another and do it for a great cause.

A second disbursement will take place in November 2010. If you or someone you know could benefit from these

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Dont forget to mark your calendars. There are many opportunities to get involved with this exciting event, whether you would like to ride, be a team captain, or volunteer, please contact Spring at (701) 780-2516 or go to altru.org/spinforkids. Watch for more information as the date approaches.