I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14
Hi, my name is Truman! I am a 20-month-old little guy with a BIG personality! I love my family so much! I love books, toy animals, balls, and MUSIC! I love to explore too! I recently learned how to walk, which is very exciting! That makes it easier to discover more places!
Back when I was born, my parents were told that I had Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that makes it much harder for me to reach milestones. I also was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and Sepsis soon after I was born. I spent five weeks in the NICU working on getting well enough to go home, and I came home with oxygen and was on that for another 5 weeks. I also had liver problems that required weekly blood draws for several months. As I got older my parents found out that I was anemic, and that I was deficient or low in several vitamins and minerals. This requires a lot of Drs appointments and continual bloodwork and tests that are not covered by my insurance. The exciting thing is that I feel so much better when I take my supplements, and my latest tests did show some improvement!
One of the things my parents discovered to help me is an organization called Doman International. They are a nonprofit organization; that specializes in helping children with neurological difficulties by creating individualized programs of therapy and stimulation, which take advantage of the brain’s natural plasticity. This approach helps us learn new things, grow, and overcome our difficulties. One of the BIG ways that Doman International is different from other therapies is that they teach my parents how to do the therapy with me. They believe that parents are the best therapists and I have to agree! They also have a great track record, and so many children with Down Syndrome thrive on their program.
In order for me to continue the Doman Program, my parents are hoping to raise $20,000, which will cover 3 more appointments at Doman. The reason for the continued training for my parents is as I get older those therapies change as my development changes. The goal for Doman International is to teach my parents the programs/ therapies I need so that we can continue my program on our own for as long as I need at home without having to continue going to Philadelphia for in-person appointments with them. I plan to continue the Doman program for years at home with my parents. My parents will have the knowledge to put together a program for me based off what they learn.
Big goals that I have accomplished over the last ten months have been army crawling, crawling on my hands and knees, and now walking! I am also gaining words of speech! There have been so many other gains, but those are the highlights! I am so strong and determined.
Big goals I plan to accomplish on the Doman program are running, talking, and reading. I will work on many different things, but those are my primary goals along with nutritional balance and overall health and wellbeing. So many children on the Doman program have gone on to accomplish and achieve all these things and so much more!
Our next appointment with Doman International in Philadelphia PA is scheduled for March 19th and 20th. Please consider donating towards my Doman therapy fund to help me reach my fullest potential!
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. I have had an amazing community of people who have cared for me since I was born. My life has been a testimony of the goodness of God, and I am trusting that He will provide for me once again.
Love, Truman and family (Titus, Ashley, Tyler, Kyra, Evie, Amelia, Asher)
