Ron is Dexter's swimming teacher at Shellharbour Swim Academy.
Ron asked us whether he could have a fundraiser for Dexter, to help with swimming lessons and physiotherapy with Zoe. Ron said he wanted to colour his hair and that he hoped to raise $2000.
He told us he would have been proud to raise $500.
Well... Ron did colour his hair.
He was supported by the Shellharbour Swim Academy, Inertia Swimwear, the swimming teachers and the community. The hair colouring was done by Olivia at Belinda's Hair Creations and we all had so much fun. PCBC Boxing donated $1000 and another $1000 was donated by AKIN (Assisting Kids in Need) in Dapto.
Ron raised $5,350 for Dexter.
Thank you!
Thank you for your financial support. We try to give Dexter every opportunity possible. We hope to give him enough therapy that he might walk across a room, one day. We hope to help him learn to sit independently. We hope to teach him to feed himself. We hope he will one day find his words and tell us a sentence or two.
We hope to make his life as full and wonderful as possible.
And, Ron? Ron is teaching Dexter to swim.
He's teaching him to hold his breath, so he can put his face underwater. Dexter loves his face being under the water! It's one of his favourite things. Knowing how to safely put his face in the water is so important for Dexter. He can easily aspirate (swallow) food and liquids into his lungs, which leads to pneumonia. Showers are risky for him, for this reason. This is also why he has thickened drinks.
But, Ron is teaching Dexter to have his face safely under the water.
Dexter's getting so much better at swimming.
Ron helps Dexter move his arms and legs, so he can swim. We can't wait for the day Dexter is old enough to enter his first swimming race at school!
And, Ron is teaching Dexter to float.
Ron tells us how it terrifies him, to let go of Dexter in the water, even for a second.
(I'm not brave enough to let go of Dexter, yet!)
We see Ron and Dexter together and we know Dexter is safe.
And happy.
And being pushed to be stronger.
And, we know Dexter is loved.
Every time someone supports Dexter, it's like a big hug. It tells us that people see Dexter for his strength and determination. It encourages us to stand a little taller and fight a little harder for Dexter. Support shows us we are not alone.
Thank you!
Thank you Ron!
Thank you to everyone at Shellharbour Swim Academy.
Thank you to everyone who donated money.
Thank you to everyone who says hello to Dexter and makes him feel welcome.
Thank you to everyone who see him for his determination, achievements and cheeky personality.
He has always recognised the people who genuinly care about him. He sees you. He knows you.
He is grateful.
Thank you.
He's overcome so many, already, but every day.... Dexter fights and struggles.
Dexter's life is expensive.
Equipment and therapies cost money.
A wheelchair accessible van isn't cheap. (We've got our heads in the sand about that one, for now. But, one day soon, Dexter will be too heavy to lift up and into the van. He will need to be rolled into the van, in his wheelchair.
We will need a bigger van for that to happen. And, the van will need additional modifications.)
Heating and air conditioning cost money.
Medications cost money.
Cerebral palsy costs money.
Dexter has been lucky enough to have a few fundraisers done for him. We promise that every cent donated to Dexter goes to Dexter.
Since he was tiny tiny, Dexter has chosen to fight. He never complains.
(When he cries, we run to him... It's something serious.)
He's a determined and happy little kid. And, cheeky! This boy is cheeky!
Gosh, we love him.
And, it seems, we are not the only ones.
#cerebralpalsy #DextersReality #love
Dexter Heffernan
BSB # 062562
Acc # 10234461
Extra therapies for Dexter.
Ron’s Rainbow Hair fundraiser
When Your Heart Aches with Sadness
Flying Fox Fun
Mum was Crying in the Ball Pit
My Walking Goal
What a Dollar means to Dexter
When Wheelchair Stops Being a Dirty Word
Stuck in a Rut
Embrace the Lion
I’m a Kindy Kid!
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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