Update

We've been really busy lately. We are still actively fundraising for Danny's cousin's mobility service dog. It's been tough but we know we'll get there.

MAAP (Midwest Adult Autism Project) is going great. The staff work so much with him. They are in the process of setting some goals. They work on many things, such as parking lot safety, hygiene (Danny hates to brush his teeth), and speech therapy. These are just a few of the many things they work on.

The picture is of Danny's new adult-sized stroller. It took about 2 years to get the stroller, it was quite a battle as anything is when you're asking for help from the State. Kermit is so glad to get back to the mall as is Danny. We took our first walk in several years throughout the neighborhood. These moments make it worth the fight. It gives us a little more sense of 'normalcy' in our lives.

Danny & MAAP

Danny has been attending the MAAP program for 2 weeks now. The move has been bittersweet. While it's bitter because we miss the friends we've made at the day program, we have new friends and opportunities for Danny in the MAAP program. The new program is designed to set specific goals for Danny. They work daily on areas Danny struggles with. The main one is his expressive language. They are trying to improve Danny's use of his words. They are also trying to get Danny to be more receptive to having his teeth brushed. He's having a lot of dental issues and his reluctance to brush his teeth is no doubt a part of the problem.

Kermit will hopefully be in the program soon. There are several participants who are afraid of dogs. They are trying to calm these student's fears before trying to bring in a huge dog like Kermit. With the way Kermit's skills are improving we are eager to see Kermit attend all day with Danny soon. We are hoping the MAAP program can help Danny with tethering, which is something we have not mastered on our own.

The top picture is how Kermit loves to ride in the van or truck. He is so funny. He has chosen his own seat. He will even run to the other side of the van and wait for someone to open his door! Kenny usually just sits in the back now rather than disappoint Kermit. But we still refuse to consider his spoiled! We figure it's just that stubborn bloodhound personality coming out in him! LOL

Kermit has been one busy guy. He's attended several fundraisers, alerting seizures, and him and Danny even attended their 1st wedding! Danny's oldest cousin, Jimmy, got married to his sweetheart, Tiffany, a few weeks ago. We know we're getting more confident with both Danny & Kermit when we tackle a wedding!

Kermit has also attended several 4 Paws fundraisers now. There are about 25 4 Paws dogs in the St. Louis area which is awesome. Danny's cousin, Tricia, is fundraising for a mobility dog from 4 Paws. Kermit, as well as other 4 Paws dogs, are helping host a trivia night on July 30th at St. Ann Community Center. We are hoping to see other 4 Paws fans there to support a wonderful organization and terrific young lady.

It's been a pretty tough summer. Danny's had several bouts of cluster seizures. This is where he'll have multiple grand mals or continious myclonics which really gets him down and takes so much out of him. It continues to amaze us how resilient and strong a young man he is.

Good news & Bad news

Well, the bad news is that Gary Busey got fired this past Sunday. Although it's disappointing, it was a blessing that the Center for Head Injury had the opportunity to be one of the charities supported by the Celebrity Apprentice Show. We've been told that the center's phones have been lighting up since the airing began. We still wear our Team Busey shirts with pride!

The good news is that Danny will start the MAAP (Midwest Adult Autism Project)in May. He will attend the day program once a week and the MAAP 4 days. This works out good because by going to the day program once a week, Danny will still get to see all of his friends that care so deeply for him.

More exciting news is that Kermit will attend MAAP with Danny! Kermit and mom already met with the facilitators of the program and Kermit did awesome. He was already taking commands from them by the time we left.

In the past month we've attended 4 trivias, 2 of these were with Kermit for families fundraising for a 4 Paws dog. It's been an honor to attend and share our wonderful experience with 4 Paws and with Kermit. What a blessing he has been to not only our family but to other's. Danny's cousin, Tricia, is currently fundraising for a mobility assistance dog through 4 Paws. We can't wait for her trivia in July and soon I will add more details on Danny's blog. Go Gigs!

We recently went on an indoor track at St. Louis Mills Mall. Kermit absolutely loves the mall! After all, this is one popular place that 4 Paws took the dogs to practice public work and commands. Kermit becomes a different dog when he's working, whether he's working at home or in public. He takes his work very seriously. The track was a success as always. Even with the wind outside. The wind makes it difficult because the skin cells scatter and are harder for the dogs to follow. But the bloodhound in Kermit kicks in and he's on it with no problem. Danny did great at the mall. We went early before they opened all the stores. It was a really fun experience and we even got to see the St. Louis Blues practice. Although Danny & Kermit didn't seem impressed with hockey. After all, their hearts belong to the basketball court!

Kenny was a big help at the mall. He is so good with Danny. Even the day program Danny attends has commented on how wonderful Kenny is with Danny. Kenny volunteers a lot with individuals with special needs. I'm so thankful he's been able to learn such care and compassion for other's and is so eager to help improve other's lives. The mall pictures were on Kenny's camera so I stole a copy one of his friend's snapped of him at school. He attend a tech school and is in their masonry program. We're proud of Kenny. I know we spend a lot of time on this blog talking about Kermit and Danny, but we're proud of all 3 of our boys! Just the other day at Taekwondo a young lady whom has disabilities asked the instructor who was working with her if she could have Kenny help her. She said he does the best at helping her. I was humbled as a mom. I am so grateful that instead of being resentful of the life he's been dealt having a severely disabled sibling that he has instead found the joy, strength, and special gift that special people bring to this world.

Contratulations!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Gary Busey & The Center for Head Injury Services located here in St. Louis. This is the Center that gives support to Danny through their day program and soon will also serve him through MAAP (Midwest Adult Autism Project). We are so proud to have Gary Busey represent all of those who struggle with neurological conditions and strive for independence and acceptance from the community. The center does wonderful things to help so many individuals reach their highest potential. You may need to copy/paste the link into your browser address search. I'm not technologically savvy! This is the link from when they first announced the show and Gary Busey selecting the center. The news was there again Monday when I was there so I heard they were doing another story soon.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=247961

Celebrity Apprentice

As many of you may already know, the organization that runs Danny's day program is one of the charities on Celebrity Apprentice. Actor, Gary Busey, has chosen the Center for Head Injury here in St. Louis as his charity. We're not sure how much this means for the center but any amount will help. Danny loves his day program. He just recently got approved to receive funding for an autism program at the same center. The program is for adults with autism. Most of the focus these days is on children, but now these children are growing up and still need services. I hope you will consider rooting for Gary if you are a fan of Celebrity Apprentice. This could do so much for all the people that the center serves.