Elmer’s Activity Chair

Love Never Sinks and Wheelchairs 4 Kids Partner to Provide Child Customized Activity Chair

STEVENS, PA – Elmer, a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, (also known as Lesch-Nyhan Disease), a rare genetic disorder caused by a genetic mutation which primarily affects boys. The condition causes severe muscle spasms and developmental delays. Other hallmark features of this condition are compulsive lip and finger biting. Remarkably, Elmer is one of three siblings in his family who all navigate life with this same challenging condition.

While Elmer’s wheelchair allows him to safely and independently navigate his world his inability to sit up on his own presents a barrier during playtime. An activity chair can provide an alternative seating solution for eating, playing or learning. When his Physical Therapist, Emily Ptak realized that Elmer needed more support than using the activity chair at the community care center, she reached out to Wheelchairs 4 Kids for assistance. Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities and their families at no cost to the family.

Because the process for each application at Wheelchairs 4 Kids is unique, Programs Coordinator Jackie Shoemaker wanted to ensure the family received the activity chair in a timely manner. She reached out to Love Never Sinks President, Andrea Holker. Andrea was eager to ensure Elmer had the ability to obtain the activity chair he needed. Through the incredible generosity of Love Never Sinks, Elmer is experiencing a brighter, happier and truly fulfilling life. Love Never Sinks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to support those affected by Lesch-Nyhan Disease. Their mission is to empower families through information, collaboration, and hope for a brighter future. To learn more, please visit loveneversinks.org.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids is dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other necessary medical equipment at no charge to their families through its Let’s Roll program. They also have an inclusion program, known as Wheely Fun Days, where they host several events each year for the kids they’ve served to get out, socialize, and have fun! To learn more or to help, please visit Wheelchairs4kids.org (Wheelchairs the number four kids dot org) or call 727-946-0963.

Elmer in his new Activity Chair