MEET JOEY
In November 2019 Emily from Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego reached out to us regarding a family in their care. Joey “JR” DeLeon had been at Rady’s for over a year after suffering a spinal cord stroke.
The stroke cut the blood flow to his spinal cord and he was paralyzed below the shoulder and on a ventilator. After a year, he was moved to Berardi Center--a place for medically fragile children--where he stayed for a few months.
His family wanted him home, but his parents were struggling financially and the hospital could not release him without proper housing. Mom spent all her time either at the hospital or studying to become a certified caregiver, so she could make a little money while caring full-time for JR. Dad was working, but could only afford a small room above a garage. They needed an apartment.
Rally4Reilly & Friends, along with another nonprofit organization, was able to provide the family with a Wellness Grant for deposit and two months of rent, a tablet, Christmas gifts and a traditional Filipino dinner for the family to celebrate, groceries, hygiene and medical supplies, gift cards (he bought a big tv that he loves) and a birthday gift for his sister.
We are honored to have the opportunity to help the DeLeon family secure a safe space and provide comfort and independence for them during a fantastically stressful time.
UPDATE!
After years of his family asking him to return to regular school, Joey was able to overcome his fear and get good grades. He is also enjoying his school, meeting new friends and improving his social life. Adapt Foundation helped him get an scholarship, so that he can still continue his therapy too! We are always thankful for all the people who help us with his recovery. Thank you!
The stroke cut the blood flow to his spinal cord and he was paralyzed below the shoulder and on a ventilator. After a year, he was moved to Berardi Center--a place for medically fragile children--where he stayed for a few months.
His family wanted him home, but his parents were struggling financially and the hospital could not release him without proper housing. Mom spent all her time either at the hospital or studying to become a certified caregiver, so she could make a little money while caring full-time for JR. Dad was working, but could only afford a small room above a garage. They needed an apartment.
Rally4Reilly & Friends, along with another nonprofit organization, was able to provide the family with a Wellness Grant for deposit and two months of rent, a tablet, Christmas gifts and a traditional Filipino dinner for the family to celebrate, groceries, hygiene and medical supplies, gift cards (he bought a big tv that he loves) and a birthday gift for his sister.
We are honored to have the opportunity to help the DeLeon family secure a safe space and provide comfort and independence for them during a fantastically stressful time.
UPDATE!
After years of his family asking him to return to regular school, Joey was able to overcome his fear and get good grades. He is also enjoying his school, meeting new friends and improving his social life. Adapt Foundation helped him get an scholarship, so that he can still continue his therapy too! We are always thankful for all the people who help us with his recovery. Thank you!
Our family was finally able to transfer to a new apartment and JR is home with us now. He is happy that we are all together again! We are very thankful and thanking God for people like you who didn’t think twice in sharing their help with our family. You are always welcome to visit our place! Thank you for helping us out financially.
— Joyce DeLeon
