Lubbock High Student’s Generosity Transforms Young Girl’s Health Journey

LUBBOCK, Texas – A Lubbock High School senior is making a significant difference in the lives of children facing neurological disorders thru his nonprofit association, The BLESS Foundation.

Tenzin Pradhan founded The BLESS Foundation as a youth-led initiative focused on enhancing the well-being of children with complex medical needs.

Recently,thanks to a $5,000 grant from the community Foundation of West Texas,Pradhan was able to donate essential mobility and therapy equipment to Swayzie DeLaRosa,an 8-year-old patient at Covenant Outpatient Pediatric Rehab Clinic.

“I can’t explain it…just seeing how strong and actually meeting Swayzie myself is different seeing how creative, how nice, how caring she is, it’s something out of this world,” Pradhan shared.

Swayzie has agenesis of the corpus callosum, a condition affecting approximately one in 4,000 live births. Her occupational therapist, Alison Chapa, noted that Swayzie was one of the clinic’s most pressing cases.

The provided equipment aims to support Swayzie’s daily life, perhaps aiding her mobility in school settings and participation in activities like specialized recreational leagues.

The donation included a standing frame, leg braces, weighted blankets, and sensory-amiable items such as toys, all intended to foster greater independence for children like Swayzie.

“for me being a part of her life and making this impact is something amazing,” Pradhan stated.

Currently, Pradhan is engaged in the second phase of the grant, which will focus on establishing telehealth services. He is actively seeking the next child to benefit from his foundation’s support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The BLESS Foundation?

The BLESS Foundation is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with complex medical needs and neurological disorders.

What kind of support does The BLESS Foundation provide?

The foundation provides mobility and therapy equipment, and also sensory-friendly items, with plans to expand into telehealth services.

How is The BLESS Foundation funded?

The foundation relies on grants,such as the $5,000 grant received from the Community Foundation of West Texas,and likely other forms of donation and support.

What are your thoughts on Tenzin Pradhan’s initiative? Share your views and this inspiring story with your friends in the comments below!

How does Mateo’s initiative exemplify youth philanthropy within the Lubbock community?

The Power of Community: A Local Story of Hope

The story of eight-year-old Lily Rodriguez and Lubbock High School student, Mateo Alvarez, is a testament to the incredible impact one person can have on another’s life. Lily’s battle with a rare autoimmune disorder, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), had become increasingly challenging, with mounting medical expenses creating a notable burden for her family. Mateo,a senior at Lubbock High,spearheaded a fundraising campaign that dramatically altered lily’s health journey,offering not just financial relief,but also a renewed sense of hope. This story highlights the importance of community support, childhood illness, and the power of youth philanthropy.

Understanding Lily’s Fight: Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) isn’t a single disease, but rather a group of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect children and adolescents. Symptoms can include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment frequently enough involves medication, physical therapy, and in certain specific cases, surgery.

Financial Strain: The cost of ongoing medical care – doctor visits,medications (including biologics),physical therapy sessions,and potential hospital stays – can quickly become overwhelming for families.

Emotional Toll: Living with a chronic illness like JIA takes a significant emotional toll on both the child and their family.

Impact on Daily Life: JIA can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in everyday activities, such as school, sports, and social events. Chronic pain management becomes a central focus.

Lily’s specific form of JIA required specialized treatment not fully covered by insurance, leaving her parents, Maria and David Rodriguez, facing tough choices.

Mateo’s Initiative: From Classroom Awareness to City-Wide Support

mateo first learned about Lily’s situation through a presentation at Lubbock High during a school-wide initiative to raise awareness about local families facing hardship. Moved by Lily’s story, Mateo decided to take action. He didn’t just want to donate a few dollars; he wanted to make a real difference.

The “Lily’s Hope” Campaign: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Mateo’s fundraising campaign, dubbed “Lily’s Hope,” wasn’t a single event, but a series of coordinated efforts:

1. Online Fundraising Platform: He created a GoFundMe page, sharing Lily’s story and outlining the specific medical expenses the funds would cover. This allowed for online donations from a wider audience.
2. School Events: Mateo organized a bake sale, a car wash, and a talent show at Lubbock High, enlisting the help of his classmates and teachers.
3. Local Business Partnerships: He approached local businesses, securing sponsorships and donations. Several restaurants agreed to donate a percentage of their sales on a designated day to the campaign.
4. Social Media outreach: Utilizing platforms like Instagram and Facebook, Mateo shared updates on Lily’s progress and promoted the fundraising efforts, leveraging the power of social media marketing for a good cause.

The Impact of Generosity: Transforming Lily’s Healthcare Access

Within weeks, “Lily’s Hope” exceeded all expectations. The campaign raised over $25,000, enough to cover Lily’s outstanding medical bills and provide funding for ongoing treatment.

Access to Specialized Care: The funds allowed Lily to receive regular infusions of a biologic medication that significantly reduced her pain and inflammation.

Improved Quality of Life: With better pain management, Lily was able to return to school full-time and participate in activities she had previously been unable to enjoy, like dance class.

Reduced Family Stress: The financial relief provided by the campaign alleviated a significant burden for the Rodriguez family, allowing them to focus on Lily’s well-being.

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Others to give Back

Mateo’s initiative didn’t just benefit Lily; it inspired others in the Lubbock community to get involved in charitable giving. Lubbock High School now incorporates a yearly “Community Impact Day” modeled after Mateo’s efforts.

Benefits of Youth Philanthropy

Develops Empathy and Compassion: Engaging in philanthropic activities helps young people develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by others.

Promotes Civic Engagement: It encourages young people to become active and responsible members of their communities.

Builds Leadership Skills: Organizing and leading fundraising campaigns provides valuable leadership experience.

Fosters a Sense of Purpose: Helping others can give young people a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Resources for Supporting Children with JIA

For families affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis,several organizations offer support and resources:

Arthritis Foundation: (https://www.arthritis.org/) Provides information,resources,and support for individuals and families affected by arthritis.

American juvenile Arthritis Foundation (AJAF): (https://www.ajaf.org/) Focuses specifically on supporting children and families affected by JIA.

* National Institute of arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): ([https://wwwniams[https://wwwniams