Help needed for triplets with cerebral palsy

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September 6, 2008

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG The Press Republican Sat Sep 06, 2008, 04:45 AM EDT

KEESEVILLE -- Faith, family and taking one day at a time has helped Dave and Melody LaFountain make it through the hard times.

But for every obstacle the parents of seven overcome, another one seems to arise.

Right now, the biggest challenge is trying to scrape together enough money to get their triplets the best care possible after they were each diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, a neurological disease that primarily affects the legs.

When the boys -- Chandler, Luke-Richard and Anthony -- were only a few weeks old, their parents noticed something wasn't right. After about a year of appointments and observation, the now 4-year-old boys were diagnosed with the disease.

The family struggled to find the right services locally but have had to go out of the area for most of their treatments.

There's no health insurance available through David's job, and they're unable to qualify for any public assistance through Essex County, so the LaFountains have been sinking into financial hard times as the medical expenses continue to climb.

"We're pinching pennies and really, really struggling," said Melody, who left her job to care for the boys and bring them to their weekly appointments.

She works with them individually each day and has already noticed how the specialists, therapy and extra attention have improved their development.

"They're walking, but they're still struggling. They're always going to struggle," said Melody, who was recently diagnosed with an inner-ear tumor and also cares for her elderly grandfather.

The challenges are many, from eating to climbing stairs, leaving the LaFountains with many obstacles, like trying to transform their home so daily tasks are easier on the boys.

The family recently saved enough to install a pool, where the boys have spent many hours doing aquatic therapy and improving their leg strength. But even that brought on new challenges, since the triplets couldn't climb the steps to the pool on their own.

No matter the challenge, though, their parents said they will do their best to make sure they have the care and support they need.

"We've been through a lot, and we just want the best for them," Melody said. "No matter what, we'll get through it. We're just so thankful they're here.

"They're my miracle. They're my blessing ... all my kids are."

A raffle and bake sale on Sunday is meant to bring in some extra money for the expenses. Their neighbor Pamela LaBombard has helped to coordinate the event at the IGA store in Keeseville.

"We have to have at least $1,500 worth of donations," LaBombard said Friday while baking treats for the fundraiser. "Everybody's been really good to us.

"I know they're really struggling right now, and I hope this (benefit) can make things a little easier on them."

avanvalkenburg

@pressrepublican.com