In Support of Next steps for Pete

Next steps for Pete

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Meet Pete, an almost 3-year-old little boy with a contagious smile, incredible determination, and a bright future ahead of him.

Pete was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy around his first birthday. This disorder causes his leg muscles to be tight. He has worked hard through therapies and interventions to build strength, gain new skills, and make meaningful progress with independent walking. Every milestone has been the result of perseverance, dedication, and a family that believes deeply in his potential.

This September, Pete will undergo Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a specialized surgery that can significantly reduce spasticity and create new opportunities for mobility and independence. While the surgery itself is a major milestone, it is only the beginning of the journey.

Pete will need extensive rehabilitation to achieve the best possible outcome. Over the next several months, he will undergo a pre-surgical MRI, 2–4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation immediately following surgery, ongoing physical therapy, and intensive therapy programs designed to help him strengthen his muscles, develop new movement patterns, and maximize the benefits of his SDR surgery.

Pete has already shown everyone around him what perseverance looks like, and his family has no intention of slowing down his progress. They are seeking support to help cover the many medical, rehabilitation, therapy, and intensive therapy expenses that will accompany this important next step in Pete's journey.

Whether through a donation, a meal, lending a puzzle, sharing his story, or writing a letter, every act of support helps make a difference.

This page will be used to share updates on Pete's journey, his upcoming surgery and therapies, and ways to support the family as needs arise. A temporary mailing address will be added to this page closer to September for letters etc. Please follow along to stay updated on Pete's progress and keep Pete and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this next chapter together.

Thank you for being part of Pete's story and helping him continue moving forward, one step at a time.

Danny Gassaway
Beneficiary

Organized by Helen Gassaway and Danny Gassaway.

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Anonymous 3 days ago • with donation

Sending love and support from a fellow Woodlawn CDC baby!

Michelle, Ben and Slater Scerri 4 days ago • with donation

A fellow Woodlawn friend, we are cheering your on!

Kcreid1958 6 days ago • with donation

Shannon and I are following cute Pete's progress. You are the best parents! Hang in there as we know it is a tough and unusual time. Sending love, Karen and Shannon

Eren Telimen 6 days ago • on 'A smooth ride to inpatient rehab' update

Go Pete!! Sending all the love!!

Mary Tutterow 6 days ago • on 'A smooth ride to inpatient rehab' update

Helen, he is so precious! What a trooper. In our 34 years of surgeries, OT, PT, etc. we have met so many families and I wish I could introduce them all to you so you could be encouraged through these difficult times of what is possible! Stay stron...

Corey Lawrence 6 days ago • with donation

Pete, I’m so happy to see all the progress you’ve made and I know you’ll keep getting better! Hope you have a speedy and full recovery!
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