Cyrus Mood

Hello! Thank you for visiting this page. Here it is all about Zippy. He is the most amazing 4-year old and all of your financial support goes to cover his medical expenses. Thank you for all the support you give!

Cyrus, AKA “Zippy”, was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a condition affecting 1 out of 3,000 live births. Arthrogyposis can cover a wide range of diagnoses wherever two or more body parts are affected by contractures. His specific type of Arthrogryposis makes him 1 in 10,000! (He’s one of a kind.) Zippy is affected in all four limbs and his spine. Basically, he has stiff joints and weak muscles. But he is incredibly strong!

Zippy attends seven therapy appointments every week. That does not include his medical appointments. Arthrogryposis is not progressive, but as he grows, his body will always try to return to the way it was at birth (extended elbows, bent knees, a curved spine, clubfeet, dislocated hips, etc.). This means it is crucial he continues stretching his limbs as he grows. He had his fourth surgery on March 9, 2023. The surgery involved cutting the tendon behind his right knee in order to promote straighter extension of his leg. Our goal is for him to maintain a less than 20 degree bend in his knees, so that he has the best chance of independently standing and eventually walking. We maintain his less than 20 degree bend through lots of stretches and wearing full-leg night braces.

You might wonder, “will he ever walk?” – We don’t know. There are a wide range of outcomes for people with Arthrogryposis. But I do know this – whether or not he stands and walks – he will be successful. Walking is not a measure of success. – He already lights up every room he enters. His gentle spirit and curious mind entertain hearts of all those he encounters. Certainly, it can feel like a job – taking care of his needs, but he is our joy!

Family and friends of Cyrus Mood are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund his uninsured medical expenses associated with his rare condition. One of the most beneficial parts of his treatment has been Occupational Therapy, Equine-Assisted; a more specific way to say hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is treatment with the help of a horse. His Occupational Therapists assist him riding a horse, which gives his body simulated movement of walking. This is important for brain development as well as core strength.

We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live because even with insurance, his medical care and equipment is not cheap! Your support already helped fund his adaptive therapy bike and I can’t wait to see what other supports we can offer him with your help. He desperately wants to keep up with his 6-year-old big sister! He told me when he gets big he wants to play soccer just like her!

In 2026, we hope to get him a supportive toileting chair, so that he can use the toilet without someone holding him while he goes. – It’s not comfortable for him or his helper!

Thankfully, 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. We certainly appreciate any and all donations you feel inclined to make.

For more information about donating, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
For more information about Arthrogryposis, visit https://www.amcsupport.org/arthrogryposis-facts.

Thank you for taking time to learn about Zippy. We sincerely appreciate it.
To follow Zippy on Social Media, visit @whozcindylu on Instagram.