Scooter Keith is a joyful, resilient little boy who was born with a rare genetic condition called L1CAM, a disorder that affects the brain and nervous system and can impact mobility, development, muscle tone, and overall daily functioning. While every child with L1CAM is different, Scooter faces challenges that require ongoing therapies, specialized care, adaptive equipment, and constant advocacy as he grows. He will be turning three this June, and despite the obstacles he faces, he continues to show incredible strength, determination, and so much personality.
As Scooter gets bigger, his physical needs are becoming greater as well. In the near future, he will need a wheelchair for safe mobility and independence, along with a reliable vehicle that can eventually be converted into a wheelchair-accessible van. Families in the disability community know these vehicles are not simply a convenience — they are a lifeline. Accessible transportation allows children like Scooter to get to therapies, medical appointments, specialists, school activities, and simply experience the world more comfortably and safely. Unfortunately, wheelchair-accessible vans typically cost between $50,000 and $70,000, and most insurance companies provide little to no assistance toward those costs.
In addition, we are researching stem cell treatment options in hopes of giving Scooter every possible opportunity to improve his quality of life and future outcomes. These treatments can range anywhere from $8,500 to $25,000 depending on the clinic and treatment approach, and that does not include the cost of travel, lodging, or time away from work. Like many therapies and treatments pursued by families of medically complex children, these options are not covered by insurance.
This is an enormous undertaking for any family, emotionally, physically, and financially. But when it comes to your child, you do everything you can to give them the best chance possible. We believe Scooter’s life, comfort, opportunities, and future are worth fighting for every single day.
We are inviting our community to follow Scooter’s journey here — to celebrate milestones with us, pray alongside us, encourage us during the hard moments, and help carry some of the weight that comes with raising a child with complex medical needs. Mom and Dad will continue posting updates, needs, victories, and progress here along the way. Thank you for loving Scooter and being part of his village.
Words of Support
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Sharon Merritt
Peter Chen and Angela Ku
Danika Noble
Carsyn
Sue Ward
Julie