LIMA — Katie is a stay-at-home mom who has her hands full with four amazing children. Katie spent the last several months traveling for treatments for her youngest child. Young Arlington was diagnosed with fluid in his brain at 20 weeks while she was pregnant. He was later diagnosed with Dandy-Walker syndrome.
“We go to Columbus every 3 months,” Katie said. “I found out there was fluid on his brain when I was pregnant. We went to Columbus every four weeks so they could watch the fluid to make sure it did not grow anymore. If it does decide to go in a different direction he will get a shunt placed in.”
Due to taking care of Arlington full-time, Katie and her family need extra help around the holidays. In addition to Arlington, Katie has another son, Nathan, and two daughters, Patience and Jenna.
Arlington is almost 1; Nathan is 5; Patience is 3 and Jenna is 2 years old.
Katie said as a family their greatest need is money for gas.
“We missed his (Arlington’s) hearing appointment,” Katie said. “When he is doing something, he cannot hear you. I did not have the money to make it down to Columbus.” Katie also said she has attempted to apply for aid through Social Security but was denied twice.
The family also needs a dryer. Their dryer stopped working months ago, and having one to use for the children’s diapers and clothes would be helpful. Diapers are needed in sizes six, five and four. Nathan wears a size 6t, Patience wears a 4t, Jenna wears a 3t and Arlington wears 12 months. Nathan and Patience would like a bike for Christmas and a tablet. Arlington needs a high chair and Jenna hopes for a stuffed monkey.
“Anything is appreciated because I know everyone is struggling,” Katie said. “Gas cards would definitely help, but Christmas gifts are all that matter.”
The Adopt a Stocking Fund benefits families during the holiday season. Monetary donations can be given online at give.salvationarmy.org/stocking or via Adopt A Stocking; c/o The Salvation Army; P.O. Box 234, Lima, OH 45801. All material donations for a specific family should be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 614 E. Market St., Lima, and should include a copy of the article or the date the story appeared in The Lima News. See past stories at LimaOhio.com/tag/stocking.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
