Your change can make a difference in the well-being of three-year-old Owen who has cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle co-ordination.
Owen, who is unable to walk or talk, was born prematurely at St. Joseph's Hospital, weighing just two pounds, two ounces. He spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit at B.C. Children's Hospital.
The Comox Valley lad undergoes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, massage and acupressure to manage his condition.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of family and friends, Owen and his family are able to travel to the U.S. every couple of months for a therapy called the Anat Baniel Method, which is neuromuscular re-education treatment.
Though costly, the treatment and travel are well worth it, his family says.
There is also a clinic trial recently launched at Duke University for children with CP that uses stem cell treatments, which could lead to a brighter future for a child such as Owen.
A fundraising hot dog sale and bottle drive takes place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Courtenay Walmart. Proceeds will help fund neuromuscular therapy sessions for Owen.