Earl watched Taunya from the McDonalds’ playhouse as she met with the social worker to discuss becoming Earl’s foster mom. At the same time, Earl was looking down; Taunya was gazing up wondering what he was thinking. After Earl was placed with Taunya and her husband, Cornell, she asked Earl what he was thinking about the day they first met. He said, “I was wondering what you were like.” Within three years of being placed and then adopted by Taunya and Cornell, Earl went from climbing playgrounds to barely being able to sit upright on his own. Earl was diagnosed with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a rare genetic mutation of the X-chromosome, which causes weakening of the muscles throughout the body and causes damage to the heart and respiratory muscle. A therapeutic tricycle would help to provide Earl with additional physical therapy outside of his appointments. Benefits of riding the tricycle include increased respiratory function, the ability to maintain strength and endurance in his lower extremities, the ability to improve trunk strength, the stimulation of bone growth, and the alleviating of stress while increasing a sense of freedom and independence.
"Samantha Makes It a Little Easier"
249 Central Park Ave,
#300-128
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-333-1219