HelpDisabledSkater.com
Title
Please Help Cassandra - Disabled Skater Needs Assistance
Description
At age nine she has completed all of the basic skating requirements and Advanced Freestyle classes. Currently she is at the Pre-preliminary level training for Preliminary. At this level she will learn and master all of the necessary foot work and stroking techniques needed to link her jumps and steps. At her coaches request, we began entering Cassandra in regional competitions for her age and skill level. She started off slowly winning a fifth place, then a fourth place, and most recently a first place medal. We are very proud of her. Nobody understands her ability to overcome her disability when it comes to ice skating. She was asked to try out for a synchronized skating team in June 2004, and we were very excited for her. Unfortunately after she made the team it became apparent that synchronized skating precipitated her seizures so we withdrew her. Her goal eventually is to become part of an ice dance team. She, like all hard working skaters, has Olympic aspirations, but we must take one step at a time.
Five years ago, I had to go on medical leave from work at the automotive plant. Thirteen surgeries later, including an amputation, I am still on long term disability through work. Our family income was cut by 50%, and our health insurance ran out in August 2003. This situation has forced us to sell/refinance all of our assets to stay above water. As an additional complication, Penny has to take care of me, homeschool Cassandra, drive us everywhere, and do all of the necessary roles of being mommy, homemaker, and teacher. On top of that, she drives Cassandra to her skating lessons three times a week which is 500 miles round trip. Our finances have been stretched so thin with the added expense of ice skating. We just can't afford to continue. Her doctor told us to do everything we could to keep her ice skating because this may turn out to be her only means of support when she is older. Her ability to instruct others as a career depends on her continued training. We are caught up in a parent's nightmare. If there is anything that you would care to do to help Cassandra through this tough period, I know she would be most grateful. Thank you for caring enough to read this and for any assistance that you can afford. We will keep all of you updated on Cassandra's skating progress.
Languages
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