Kanyon Bell
In a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published in the March 2008 issue of Pediatrics, the CDC estimates that one in every 278 children has cerebral palsy, a group of disorders characterized by a person’s inability to control movements and balance. Treatment options, including therapy, medications and surgery, can benefit children with cerebral palsy, but there is no cure. At five years old, Kanyon Bell is all too familiar with the symptoms and challenges cerebral palsy brings, but according to her grandmother, Brenda Doan, Kanyon refuses to accept traditional limitations. “She is a very determined little girl,” said Doan. “She tells everyone she’s going to walk [without assistance] by age six.” Kanyon currently relies on the assistance of crutches, a walker or a wheelchair to help her get around. Doctors are unsure when, or if, Kanyon will walk on her own. Walking unassisted is just one of Kanyon’s dreams. Like many five-year-old girls, Kanyon dreams of being a ballerina. Kanyon has attended several Kosair Charities Christmas parties over the past few years, and last year Doan talked with Potentate Jim Fisher, who said he’d like to see more of Kanyon. When Kosair Charities learned of Kanyon’s dream of being a ballerina, they literally made her the ballerina of the ball. At a recent dinner in honor of America’s fallen soldiers, Kanyon served as one of the guests of honor, along with the men and women of the armed services. It was there that she was presented with a ballerina’s tutu, accessories and toys. In another adventure that most kids only dream about, Kanyon was asked to ceremonially open up the Kosair Shrine Circus. Doan had simply inquired about front-row seats so that Kanyon could attend with her walker. Kanyon was brought to the center ring, put on a podium and handed a whistle to signal the start of the circus. “She blew it really loudly,” said Doan. “Kanyon was thrilled to death about the circus.”
Kanyon’s most recent taste of stardom has come with her part in the Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade. Again, Doan simply asked for tickets for some bleacher seats so Kanyon could enjoy the parade. Instead of watching from the bleachers, she rode in the parade with Jim Fisher and his wife. Fortunately, Kanyon’s case of cerebral palsy is not on the most severe end of the spectrum. According to her grandmother, Kanyon is a very smart girl who has overcome a lot. “She doesn’t let the disability stop her. She can’t jump rope with the other kids, but she can do just about everything else.” Kanyon currently lives with her grandparents and the six other grandchildren they are raising. She attends Dawson Orman Education Center, where she receives physical, speech and occupational therapy. Next year, Kanyon will attend Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary School, and she is almost ready to complete her occupational therapy.
Kanyon’s family has also been fortunate that her insurance has covered all of her medical expenses so far, but Doan knows that Kosair Charities is there if the time comes that they do need assistance. Each year, Kosair Charities supports agencies devoted to children’s health issues, like Kosair Children’s Hospital and the Cerebral Palsy K.I.D.S. Center, as well as directly supporting children in need and their families. But more than that, Kosair Charities is helping make dreams come true for Kosair Kids like Kanyon Bell.