Press Release
Lucas is 4 years old, and at a young age was diagnosed with a condition known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare genetic disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, but he doesn’t let that slow him down. Lucas recently achieved a major milestone in physical therapy, he stood on his own for the first time. He has also been working to grasp crayons and markers as he loves to color and complete crafts.
Lucas’ family recently received a $3,000 grant from the Tall Cedars Foundation’s Muscular Dystrophy Relief Fund (MDRF), so he could attend an Intensive Movement Camp at Milestone Pediatric Physical Therapy. During his therapy sessions, he works on sitting to standing, sideways walking, assisted walking, stepping up and down, stepping over a ½ inch height, occupational therapy, and strengthening activities for his trunk and legs.
When he is not attending therapy sessions at Milestone Pediatric Physical Therapy and the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, (where he attends his regular therapy sessions) Lucas enjoys traveling and spending time with his family including 3 siblings (Nicole, Ryan and Chloe) whom also receive therapy at the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.
Lucas’ accomplishments and milestones would not be possible without the assistance of programs such as the Tall Cedars Foundation’s Muscular Dystrophy Relief Fund (MDRF), which allowed him to attend this physical and occupational therapy program.
The Tall Cedars Foundation is the official philanthropy of Tall Cedars International and provides relief to children affected by muscular dystrophy to promote their physical, emotional, and social well-being by providing grants to cover medical, therapeutic, adaptive equipment, and other muscular dystrophy related costs. Referrals are initially reviewed by local Tall Cedars Forests (chapters), and forwarded to the TCF to make a final determination.
To learn more about the Tall Cedar Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit www.tallcedarfoundation.org.
Credit to The Schreiber Center for information provided in this story.