Erinn Larson
ContributorWhat did you like to do when you were nine years old? Squirt friends with water guns? Roll spit balls, and then launch them?
August 31st, 2001 after Joshua's mother delivered him, he was not breathing. You don't have to know much about newborns to realize that this is a problem. Without wasting a moment, he was attached to a respirator, and wheeled to the ICU for babies (NICU). Even though it seemed like this was the worst of it, a couple of hours later his lungs failed. Today, this survivor is known as Joshua Bolt, a "very smart, funny 9-year-old." Receiving the chance to live is unbeatable; however, he suffered a brain injury as well. The doctors were alarmed, so little Joshua spent three weeks at the hospital. Eventually he was brought to the comfort of his home, but his parents were told to carefully monitor his development. The severity of his brain injury was unknown, so observations were crucial. One oddity that his parents noticed was how one of Joshua's eyes turned inward. By his ninth month, adequate time had passed, so his parents took him to a neurologist to have questions answered. That May, he was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so the doctor recommended physical therapy for Joshua. Every week until 2005, Joshua attended these appointments and worked on his strength, balance, and mobility just to name a few victories. In addition, his parents took him to specialists and he even had eye surgery. Although this did not perfect his vision, the first time he crawled on his belly provided plenty of celebration and delight.
Raising a healthy baby is hard work, so imagine what Joshua's parents faced. They loved him, and wanted to ensure they did everything in their power to help his condition. After research and attending a Conductive Education Summer Camp in 2004, his parents realized the abundance of possible resources. The idea that captured their attention involves the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential (IAHP). Through this organization, Joshua's parents receive training to accommodate his needs. The hassle of driving him to different doctors and not missing appointments became irrelevant to their lives. Instead, they learn how to meet Joshua's emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs.
Despite all the positivity that results from the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, it comes with a price tag of $10,000. Plus if you consider the context, the weak economy and health-care debates, the bills are harsh. This dollar amount is an estimate, so in reality it does not capture the financial hardship his parents face. Did I mention insurance doesn't cover it?
April 16th will allow you the chance to help. Do not let the title "The First Annual Joshua Bolt 5K" scare you. I know that when college students hear the word run, they quickly trod away. However, this event lets you run/walk 1 mile, or run the 5k. Your physical exertion is not the point, your presence is. I believe that the best form of support is when people gather. It tends to create a stronger sense of community and it elevates moods of those present. Essentially, the 1st Annual Joshua Bolt 5k will be a personal pep rally for Joshua. It will also celebrate his committed, loving parents, and offer information about cerebral palsy. Why would you miss it?
To participate is relatively simple. If you are holding this paper, I am assuming you can easily use your hands to sign up and pay fifteen-dollars as the only fee. Then you can easily transport yourself to The Manor Golf on Saturday April 16th sometime before 9:00 which is the start of the one-mile race. At 9:45, the 5k starts. After your participation, you can easily walk, as a cool-down, and claim your race-day t-shirt. This comfortable t-shirt with a special "Joshua logo" will await you. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced with live music by Joshua and Jeremy Greene. Most likely, the weather will be nice, sunny, and spring-like. Although I, like anyone else, cannot control the weather, I can guarantee pleasant outcomes. A community event that supports a boy who outwitted death and doesn't let his diagnosis define who he is..how is this not on your social calendar?
April 16th is basically a month away, but March 30th, the registration deadline, might pass you by! Be proactive and potentially impress your parents (and their wallets) by signing up today. Facebook-users, type in 1st Annual Joshua Bolt 5k and RSVP. Or send an email to boltforj5k@aol.com. Or find one of the Joshua postings on bulletin boards around campus. Or talk to Meghan Greene, the dedicated organizer of this event. Whichever method you choose, consider that Joshua might see YOU walking or running in his honor on April 16th.
