Bentley Schmeets

Bentley was born a healthy boy on June 18, 2009. He was the perfect little addition to a growing family, and everyone was delighted to have another baby to snuggle and love.

After a few short weeks of being introduced to the world, Bentley ended up in the Emergency Department. From there he was admitted for seizure activity, which resulted from an infection that entered his cerebral spinal fluid, and subsequently he was diagnosed with: seizure disorder, neuromuscular scoliosis and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (1 in 3 diagnosed cannot walk; he is wheelchair dependent). After years of pokes/prods/procedures, you will rarely see this little HERO without a smile on his face. He loves life and there is nothing that will get in the way of him doing what he wants. He has achieved so much in life thus far but that didn’t come without struggles. As a family, we have faced a many difficult problems and been put in a number of unwanted predicaments. Even so, we have made pinky promises to push forward and always keep positive attitudes. There are still so many obstacles standing in the way, but a safe, handicap accessible home and assistive medical equipment are some of the few at the very top of the list.

Bentley is a medically complex child which means he needs additional care and support on a daily basis to accommodate his specific needs. Currently, Bentley’s therapy was severely affected by the pandemic and he was barely able to leave the house during this time. This resulted in him regressing in so many ways, not only mentally but physically. Physical therapy is such an important aspect for kids like Bentley with neurological conditions because it helps improve their functional abilities and maintain their physical well being. When standing or walking, our bones, muscles, organs and nervous system function optionally.

After much research and consultation with doctors and therapists, we have found a wearable robotic gait trainer called the Trexo that we believe would benefit Bentley tremendously! The Trexo helps with engaging the core and back muscles along with building strength and endurance, gets the blood flowing, provides functional stretching and so much more. This piece of equipment would be life changing for Bentley, not only allowing him to get the physical benefits he needs but it will also give him the freedom to experience the world in a way he never has before! Our family wants to thanks you all for the continued support and greatly appreciates any help provided!

Love,

The Schmeets Family

Link to Trexo information video above!

Bentley has chosen to fund raise through Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!