...Because of what has happened to me lately; medically, I've decided that I am going to research on how to start a non profit. I would like to be able to help people like myself, who want to be an ACTIVE member in society, but due to lack of insurance benefits are not able to pay for such things as supplies or physical therapy.
Scoliosis is something we all know about. We all have the test in grade school; where they make you bend forward to see if your spine is straight - mine never was. I never saw myself as "different" (I have several other surgeries as well)until 5th grade. It was at that point that kids and myself started to notice that I was not "normal". No child should have gone through the depression and sad days and lonely nights I went through. Don't get me wrong, I've made some really good friends and people did love me for me, but it wasn't easy. It's easy to remember all the negative before the positive, but I'll always remember the good times I did have growing up.
I never really knew what the future held since doctors stated that I would not see the age of 5, then high school graduation. Well, guess what?! I'm 26, went to college (PSU) and studied in Europe like I wanted to and I'm NOT living at home. Ideally I'd love to live somewhere warmer, but I am not able to due to student loans.
I want to start a foundation that is going to help people like myself. I want to go to phyicaly therapy (since I've never had it), keep my back in shape and BE an active member in society. Due to lack of benefits in my insurance, I am not able to get the sessions I need, thus leaving me in great pain. I thank god that I found a great temp solution; massage therapy; it's been a blessing. I was not able to get a good nights sleep in literally YEARS (about 8) until I started this a few months ago. After just my FIRST session, I felt like I lost 20 lbs of pressure on my back. Then my sessions ran out and now I am paying for sessions as I can.
With a foundation like the one I want to create, I'll be able to help people like myself; young and older. I figure between my photography and my passion to get this going, I'll be able to start something. I'm going to contact a few people I have in mind and see how I CAN get this started. If you would like to help in any form or know of a good person I may be able to help, I'd greatly appreciate it.
