SpiderQuinn
Our Story
We are so very blessed to have Quinn in our family. He has been very blessed in his health so far and we have felt it. We are so grateful to United Angels for helping to connect those who are in similar situations as us and also helping get us out of the house when we otherwise couldn't. Please donate to this great cause and come join us so you can meet these amazing people too!
Quinn has Spina Bifida. At 25 weeks gestation, he had surgery to close an opening in his back that exposed his nerves. He was born at 35 weeks by scheduled c-section. He had a short NICU stay of 13 days. He was born with bilateral clubfeet (which is common for Spina Bifida), which was corrected by casting. He would wear a set of full leg casts for a week then be recasted for another week. This happened 7 times, with the last cast being 2 weeks on because his Achilles tendon was cut.
What Spina Bifida looks like for Quinn. Quinn has been in physical therapy since he was about 6 months old. He has struggled to learn to use his legs in any capacity (from crawling to riding a modified bike to walking). Through a lot of hard work he is able to use a walker and arm crutches to go short distances or time and a wheelchair for longer walks or time.
Quinn has to wear footgear called AFOs during the day and special shoes at night. He wears twister cables (a belt connected to shoe inserts with a cable connecting them) to help correct his foot position to pointing forward so it is easier for him to walk.
Quinn takes a medication to help with his neurogenic bladder. This is common in people with Spina Bifida since the nerves for bowels are at the base of the spine and are usually affected. Because of this medication he has to be catheterized 5 times a day. He also has an enema every night to help prevent constipation and leaking during the day. It is very important to take care of the bowels with Spina Bifida.
Quinn currently goes to preschool 2 days a week and has physical therapy 2 times a month. He used to have physical therapy 4 times a month until he was 3.
Quinn received a bumbo wheelchair around 16 months old and loved the mobility it gave him. He got a wheelchair at 2 on Christmas Eve. Just after turning 3 he received his own walker and arm crutches. He uses those at preschool and usually at stores. For long distances and time, he uses a walker or wheelchair. He also just received an adapted bike from a fundraiser and rides it around on a bike trail behind our house, mostly going on adventures with his sisters.
Life is very different since having Quinn. We have to plan trips (even quick ones to the store) if Quinn is going to be sure he has a mobility device and that we won't be interfering with his bowel regime. We struggle some days and just have to live moment to moment but usually the days are good. We are so glad that Quinn is part of our family and he brings such joy to us all.
About The United Angels Foundation
United Angels Foundation (UAF) is a nonprofit, parent-to-parent support group for families of children with special needs (our Angels). Our goals at UAF consist of providing interaction, education, and resources to our parents. From newborn visits, to group activities for parents and children, we strive to be there every step of the way. Funds raised from our Walk with Angels event will specifically go towards financing our educational seminars and group activities. These funds are also used to administer our newborn and new member program. Thank you for your support of all the Angels in our community!
Walk Day Schedule
June 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Margaret Wines Park 500 N Center Street, Lehi UT
9:30 a.m. Check In Begins
10:00 a.m. Performances by Advocacy Groups
10:30 a.m. Pre-Walk Ceremonies
11:00 a.m. Walk Begins!
11:30 a.m. Food Trucks & Mainstage Entertainment
12:15 p.m. Raffle Winners Announced
1:00 p.m. Event Concludes
Ongoing: Carnival games, raffle, photo booth, bounce houses, mascots, superheroes, princesses, and more!
**Silent Auction is online this year! Auction will go LIVE on Wednesday, May 29th and will close on Wednesday, June 5th at midnight. Be sure to share the link with friends and family who want to support Utah’s special needs community**
Team Members
