Lifting Up Families Living With CP
Staunch Advocates of People With Special Needs
Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of disability in young adults. It is a developmental disorder that occurs due to brain injury before or during birth. Children are born with cerebral palsy, but are usually not diagnosed at birth because the symptoms are not noticeable until motor skills begin to develop.
Cerebral palsy causes impaired muscle coordination, muscle tone, and body movements. The effects of Cerebral Palsy vary greatly. Some people with Cerebral Palsy can walk and others, like Bryton, cannot. Some with CP have normal, to near normal, intellectual ability and others have intellectual disabilities and may not be able to talk, also like Bryton. In addition, Bryton also has scoliosis and epilepsy. With Cerebral Palsy, one can even be blind or deaf.
Thankfully, they are not alone in their struggle. Bryton The World Foundation is an organization that brings people together with the goal of building a loving and selfless community for families with special needs children. We are inviting kindhearted residents of Chicagoland and other communities to join us in our journey.
Bryton with her mom, Sarah!
Spreading a Culture of Caring
There is never a shortage of optimism at Bryton The World Foundation. We are hopeful that the Eddy family can serve as the starting point in our journey of helping other individuals with special needs.
Our primary goal is to support other families who have similar situations as that of Bryton’s. We want to create a vibrant and constantly growing community composed of people who can identify with the issues that the Eddy family faces.
Our initial step is to reach out to the immediate community around us, particularly Glenbard West High School, Hadley Junior High or Forest Glen Elementary (all Glen Ellyn, Illinois). Once we have established a solid base of members, we will continue expanding our outreach efforts.
Click below to read more about families with special needs children who are living their lives "one step up and two steps back."
A Day in the Life of a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Have you ever reminisced about the magical days of your childhood? A typical day would probably consist of absorbing interesting bits of knowledge at school as well as enjoying carefree, unforgettable moments with your friends. Childhood is a sacred gift that everyone deserves to cherish.
For some kids with special needs like Bryton, childhood may pose more than its fair share of challenges.
Born with cerebral palsy, Bryton’s motor function is severely impaired. She is unable to walk or talk—two things most of us take for granted. She even has epilepsy, which means she has to take seizure medication for the rest of her life.
Despite Bryton’s physical limitations, her childhood is filled with an abundance of joy because of her two amazing parents—Lee and Sarah. The unconditional love and respect they shower her with on a daily basis is always a heartwarming sight.
Happy Days With Bryton
Her mom and dad frequently take her to do fun activities like go on bike rides sitting in her adaptive bicycle trailer. Up and down the big slide at Sonny Acres or any fairs nearby! To the mall to ride the Jolly Express Train. Going on walks in our neighborhood with our dog, Cookie, of course! Bryton likes being pushed on her adaptive seat swing set. In the winter, she also loves being pulled around the yard in her sled. Anything that has movement, motion, or zooming along, Bryton is game for!
Bryton enjoying the view in her adaptive bicycle trailer as her mom, Sarah, leads the way!