In Support of Gus Caripides
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Meet Gus đź’š
Gus is 3 years old, and he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months old after he wasn’t meeting expected developmental milestones. Doctors believe his condition was caused by Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) — a type of brain injury that occurs around birth and affects the white matter of the brain.Â
Since then, Gus has been on a determined journey to build strength, gain skills, and continue making progress every day.Â
His parents, Brooke and Paul Michael, pour their hearts into helping Gus reach every milestone possible. Their days revolve around therapy, encouragement, and hope as they work to give Gus the best opportunities for growth and recovery.Â
And Gus shows up for the work.Â
He attends therapy 3–4 times every week, putting in effort that many adults would struggle with. Gus shows his resilience every day. He tackles challenges most people never have to think about — with determination, grit, and a little bit of stubbornness for all the right reasons. Gus is also the kind of child who lights up every room he enters, bringing joy and energy wherever he goes.Â
Now, Gus has an opportunity to pursue two important treatments that could help support his brain and body as he continues making gains — but unfortunately, insurance does not cover them.Â
The next steps in Gus’s journey include:Â
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with Dr. Paul Harch in New Orleans – an intensive 2-month treatment program designed to help support brain healing
• Stem Cell Therapy at Total Wellness Center with Dr. Proefrock in ArizonaÂ
• Stem Cell Therapy at Total Wellness Center with Dr. Proefrock in ArizonaÂ
The costs for these treatments add up quickly:Â
• Hyperbaric Chamber (for home): $14,500
• Two-month Hyperbaric treatment program: $14,500
• Room and board in New Orleans (2 months): approximately $4,000–$5,000
• Stem Cell Therapy in Arizona: $8,000 (before travel expenses)Â
• Two-month Hyperbaric treatment program: $14,500
• Room and board in New Orleans (2 months): approximately $4,000–$5,000
• Stem Cell Therapy in Arizona: $8,000 (before travel expenses)Â
Like many families walking the disability journey, Brooke and Paul Michael are navigating expenses far beyond what most people realize.Â
In fact, raising a child with a disability can cost between $1.4 million and $2.4 million over a lifetime — nearly ten times the cost of raising a neurotypical child. This journey simply isn’t an even playing field, which is why community support can make such a meaningful difference.Â
If Gus’s story moves you, there are many ways to help:Â
Pray. Share. Encourage. Give if you are able.Â
Every act of support helps this family continue pursuing treatments that could open new doors for Gus’s strength, development, and independence.Â
Together, we can surround Gus and his family with a community that reminds them they’re not walking this road alone. 💚
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- Created Mar 11, 2026
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