CCVI Trolley Run - 30th Annual - Aid 4 Aiden

As many of you know, our 6 year old son, Aiden, was born with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). This is a type of brain damage that occurred either in utero or at birth. In August 2016, Aiden was diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). This is a vision impairment that is caused by the damage to Aiden's brain, not his eyes.

Aiden is in his last year at CCVI. He will return to our home school district next year. It’s been such an awesome journey for us during his time here. In the two years Aiden’s attended, he’s learned so many new skills and surpassed several milestones. It’s been truly extraordinary and a true testament to the excellent work and dedication the staff have for children who receive services here.

While CCVI is known as a visual impairment school, they work with children in all areas of delay. Aiden has a variety of other symptoms as a result of his injury, including speech delays, fine and gross motor delays, sensory needs, and attention issues. However, through the help of his CCVI team, we have seen such remarkable improvements in his development. He’s now able to complete basic skills such as donning and doffing his clothes and shoes without assistance, catching a ball, eating with utensils, and cutting with scissors. In addition, he can follow more complex directions and shows a significantly improved processing rate. With Aiden’s speech, his brain and mouth get signals crossed sometimes which makes him at loss for words. However, the length of his sentences are upwards of 6-7 words now and he is actively trying to manipulate his speech for better intelligibility. Aiden has the aid of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to help him communicate with others. His navigation of this tool has increased and he’s able to functionally use this to assist him when he can’t find the words to say. Aiden’s progress has made a world of difference in his confidence and pride in himself. He beams from ear to ear when “showing off� and accomplishing new tasks!

Aiden continues to face challenges every day, but we are so impressed with his acute awareness of others, sensitivity, perfectionism (most likely his mother’s contribution 😊), kindness and most notably, his mischievous personality (definitely from his father! 😊). Aiden is such a cool kid with a kind heart. He has an amazing work ethic and such a funny sense of humor. We are very proud to be his mom and dad!

Prior to having Aiden, Andy and I took these every day skills for granted and never realized how difficult it is for a child with special needs to develop basic living skills and utilize them in his/her daily life. We’ve been fortunate to have found a place where Aiden is welcomed and embraced for who he is! His teachers and therapists genuinely love him and work hard with him each day to help him reach his goals. As Aiden’s parents, we know he is in good hands and truly have been blessed to have him be a part of this premier program.

Our team, "Aid 4 Aiden" is back again to help support Aiden and CCVI. We would love to have you join us on Sunday, April 29th to run (or walk) and celebrate Aiden with us! If you're unable to attend the day, please consider a donation to the cause. It will be well worth your investment! All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you!
Andy, Angie, Aiden & Addison

Connect with others about this event and see who's going!

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Contributors on Behalf of Aid 4 Aiden

Donors

1. Deborah And Tom Degnan - Make a Donation
2. Bill Valz - Make a Donation
3. Meghan & Army Ward - Make a Donation
4. Sean & Jennifer Degnan - Make a Donation
5. Gerry & Melody Degnan - Make a Donation
6. Steve & Lynn Mattson - Make a Donation
7. Brian Degnan - Make a Donation
8. Melissa Degnan - Make a Donation
9. Betty Finn - Make a Donation
10. Tom and Mary Lenehan - Make a Donation
11. Charles Coulson - Make a Donation
12. Matt & Jenn Marasco - Make a Donation
13. Lynee English - Make a Donation
14. Tim Dougherty - Make a Donation
15. Beth Degnan - Make a Donation
16. Jim Degnan - Make a Donation
17. Susan Miller - Make a Donation
18. Kenton and Diane Linn - Make a Donation
19. Boris Usherenko - Make a Donation

Event Participants

1. Mary Pflanz, Susan DeVoe - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
2. Kelly Riffle, Keegan Riffle, Jamie Riffle, Rodney Riffle - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
3. Dan Bright, Angela Bright - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
4. Shane Langston, Jessica Roberts - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
5. Vicki Riffle - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
6. Jacey Ravencamp - Individual Entry
7. Skye Edwards - Individual Entry
8. Katie Riffle - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
9. Boris Usherenko - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
10. Leslie Simpson - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
11. Susan Miller - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
12. Brad Pellegrino - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
13. Roberta Gualtier, Vince Gualtier - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
14. Catherine Feeney, JB Feeney, Francie Feeney, Cara Feeney - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member
15. Angela Degnan, Addison Degnan, Aiden Degnan, Andy Degnan - Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Family Team Member

Aid 4 Aiden has raised $4,675.00.