Jennifer Gutierrez is hoping for an angel for her Angel.
Her biggest wish is to see her 10-year-old be able to stand on his own and walk. Angel was born with a rare medical condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita which limits the use of limbs due to stiff or frozen joints.
She knows there’s a possibility that her bright, enthusiastic, funny and kind-hearted Angel will have an angel on his side thanks to information she’s researched from Trexo, a Canadian company which created a device that would allow her son to move via braces and digital assistance.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Angel View, a local nonprofit serving children and adults with disabilities, has stepped in with a medical equipment mini-grant that will be put toward the down payment of a lease for the equipment.
The Coachella family is part of the Angel View Outreach program and Angel’s caseworker is helping pursue the fundraising effort for the $12,000 required to get things started. Upon build completion, the device is leased for upwards of $1,000 per month. However when the child outgrows it, the device can be returned, upgraded, or after three years lease, you can own it.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Due to Angel not being able to walk and exercise, his weight keeps me from being able to perform exercises with him that can help him increase his strength in his limbs,’’ said his Mom. “After doing lots of research we have finally found something that we feel can help Angel walk for the first time in his life. We have high hopes that this can not only help Angel physically but also emotionally.”
Jennifer says it’s a task she’s excited to take on and the possible 12-month wait for construction of the robotic device will be worth it.
“The daily struggles he faces in this world are already overwhelming enough,” she said. “Our wish is for Angel to be happy and to live a life as normal as possible.”
Click the link to donate online (in the Special Note area please note ANGEL) or call us
at 760-329-6471 to donate by phone
More info:
Every family who uses the Trexo Home has different reasons, but several are consistent among most users. (www.trexorobotics.com)
It might be the ability to work with their child’s schedule – no need to spend time packing up all your belongings and traveling to appointments to get gait training, only to have your child in a cranky mood.
For others, the Trexo Home is a way to stay healthy, increase the intensity of their programs and have access to an activity at home that is easy to do.
And for some, the Trexo Home is a way to achieve milestones they never dreamed would be possible.
