Mr. Strong Foundation helps more kids
Five-year-old Landon Harrington has been through a lot at a young age, but he keeps fighting -- and so does his mom.
We first introduced you to Landon two years ago. He was born with cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, was visually impaired and G-tube fed. Still, his mother Michelle Morales could only see the glow in her child.
"He is the most amazing little boy I've ever met, he lights up a room with his smile," Michelle said. "Then just a few weeks ago, we found out that he had Cystic Fibrosis.
Landon's condition requires a lot of hospital visits and plenty of costly therapy.
"I would hear like different parents talk about how expensive therapy was and the doctors wanted them to get therapy, but they could not afford it."
So Michelle launched the Mr. Strong Foundation to help other families struggling to pay for therapy. Jackie Meister is one of those parents. Her son, 11-year-old Zachary, has high-functioning autism.
"In therapy, I've learned more," Zach said.
Jackie added, "He interrupts often, so we have to remind him not to interrupt."
His behavioral specialist Erin Zandecki explained to Zach, "Do you know how you move all around? We wanna practice staying still."
"Also, staying on topic, because we're talking and he'll have thoughts about other events, other issues and he'll just bring that in in the middle of the conversation," Jackie continued.
The therapy has made a big difference.
"So I used to work with Zach one day a week, and from the foundation providing the family with money, he's able to get more therapy, we're seeing faster results," Erin said.
Zach sees those results and says, "I got more friends," thanks to the therapy.
"It's unbelievable. It's a miracle," his mom added.
It's all thanks to the Mr. Strong Foundation, inspired by a little boy named Landon, with a fighting spirit that never gives up.
"I'm very passionate about it because therapy is their chance," added Michelle.
Mr. Strong Foundation helps families with behavioral, speech, physical and occupational therapy. For more information, visit their website: http://mrstrongfoundation.org/