About Us

On June 20, 2001, my first child, Danny, was born with ‘complications’.  Unfortunately, the Naval hospital misdiagnosed him after an erroneous catscan led them to believe that he was severely brain damaged and we began what would become a life changing traumatic ride.   We checked Danny into a home for disabled infants because of the supposed severity of his condition.  The Home was overseen by doctors and caregivers associated with The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA.  On Danny’s second day at the home, we were sitting in the doctor’s office when the results of a last minute requested MRI were faxed from the Naval hospital to the Home.   The doctor (Dr. Toland – we’ll never forget him or his name and are forever grateful for his support during the initial weeks of Danny’s life), looked up from the report and simply stated ‘you need to take the Do Not Resuscitate’ off this child right now – there is nothing wrong with his brain’.   Several painful weeks followed as we struggled to determine what was ‘really wrong’ with Danny.  Military egos, medical missteps and first time parental insecurities resulted in a prolonged and painful journey which has ended up with our family being blessed by one of the most caring, compassionate and loving children you will ever meet.  In addition to his love for others, Danny is an extremely intelligent ‘old soul’ who brings joy to everyone he meets.  He has defied the odds and exceed the expectations of all who came into contact with him in the early days.  His final diagnosis was Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Following the diagnosis of brain damage, it was very easy to have a positive outlook regarding PWS and to aggressively begin interventions to ensure that Danny would do and be more than what the Internet declared.

Since that time, I have vowed to never again accept what I am told without consideration nor allow others to control my right to protect those I love.  Children are truly our most precious commodity and those with special needs give us a rare opportunity to receive the greatest of gifts – knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life.  We are committed to helping children in need no matter what the need.

I believe the same as those involved in the Gates Foundation:  “Scientific and technological advances are making it possible to solve big, complicated problems like never before. If these advances are focused on the problems of the people with the most urgent needs and the fewest champions, then within this century billions of people will grow up healthier, get a better education, and gain the power to lift themselves out of poverty.” (www.thegatesfoundation.org)

Our goal is simple – help those who cannot help themselves and repay the blessings that we have received.