In Support of Amelia Barnes Journey
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Support Amelia’s Journey to DMI Therapy
Amelia is a little girl with a bright spirit, a determined personality, and a spark that has carried her through so much in her life. She was diagnosed with HIE (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy) and Cerebral Palsy, and even with the challenges those diagnoses bring, she meets the world with resilience and sweetness that everyone around her can feel.
Her family is working toward a goal of $10,000 to get her a few rounds of Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy in Oregon — a therapy not covered by insurance but known for helping children build strength, coordination, balance, and new motor pathways. For many kids, DMI supports progress in areas where traditional therapies may not be enough. This goal will help cover the therapy sessions as well as the travel needed to get Amelia there safely.
Sarah, Amelia’s mom, will post updates here so you can follow Amelia’s progress and see the impact of your support firsthand.
Amelia’s Story
At 20 weeks, Amelia was diagnosed with a single umbilical artery and reassured that it likely wasn’t a concern. But at 29 weeks, her mom developed preeclampsia and was admitted to the hospital with the expectation of delivering that weekend. After weeks of close monitoring and up to three OB appointments a week, Amelia made it to 37 weeks and a scheduled induction.
Early labor went well, but within hours her heart began showing signs of distress during contractions. A vacuum was used to help deliver her safely, and she arrived with a small laceration and the cord wrapped around her neck. She wasn’t breathing. It took eight minutes of lifesaving work to get her breathing on her own.
Six hours later, she had an apnea episode and was moved to the NICU. More episodes followed, and seizure activity was detected on the brain monitor. Just a few hours old, she was transferred to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for specialized care. On day three of life, an MRI showed moderate to severe brain injury from lack of oxygen.
Even with such a heavy start, Amelia has continued to show her strength. Her diagnosis of HIE and CP means she works harder than most children to learn movement skills — but she meets each challenge with determination and a little spark that is all her own.
How DMI Can Help Amelia
DMI is an intensive therapy approach designed to help children:
- Strengthen the communication between the brain and body
- Develop core stability, balance, and postural control
- Improve motor planning and coordination
- Build new movement skills through repetitive, targeted exercises
- Explore their environment more freely and safely
For children with HIE and CP, DMI can support progress that impacts everyday life — from improved head and trunk control to increased mobility, independence, and confidence.
How Your Support Helps
Your gift will directly support Amelia’s next steps forward.
Funds will help cover:
- DMI therapy sessions in Oregon
- Travel to and from therapy
- Lodging, meals, and transportation accommodations for Amelia and her equipment
Amelia has already shown that she is willing to do the hard work. With your support, she can access a therapy that gives her a real chance to build new skills and continue growing in ways that honor her strength and spirit.
Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Dec 30, 2025
Heading into 2026
We’re still a long way from our goal to fund Amelia’s Intensive The...
Dec 09, 2025
Continuous Support
Thank you everyone for the continued support. We are still a long w...
Dec 02, 2025
Giving Tuesday
Thank you all so much for all the outpouring of support and words o...
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