Mom of Six Can Sleep Sound After Donation from AID Foundation

Thomas and Shannon Puckett met in the Army and Arizona National Guard.  Married 13 years, they have a large family of 6 children; 5 biological, one adopted, two have special needs. 

Their 8 year old daughter Alysa was diagnosed with infantile epilepsy at 2 months old. Aly is now 8 years old and still has daily seizures. She is non-verbal, non-communicative, non-ambulatory and developmentally 3 months old. Her epilepsy has led to multiple severe complex medical conditions including cerebral palsy, g-tube feedings and respiratory complications. Alysa depends on her family for her every need around the clock.

Due to Alysa’s weakened immune system and respiratory complications, she is sick often. Mom, Shannon, retired from the military to be a full time caregiver and has learned to manage most of Aly’s illnesses at home, where she is most comfortable.  Her husband, Thomas is currently deployed to Kosovo and will return the end of the year.  Their insurance has covered equipment and hospital care making it possible to treat Aly from home with guidance from her doctors.

Their request came to Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities – Foundation (AID.org) through Facebook after learning of a custom wheelchair a friend in the disabled community had received.  Shannon wrote, “We thank you for all that you are doing within the disability community! We have seen your good works first hand, and it is such a blessing.”

The Puckett family requested a safe hospital bed for Aly at home. “Right now we get creative and use pillows, noodles, blankets, anything to keep her propped up and comfortable.  None of it works, and now that she is getting bigger, we worry she is no longer safe in her bed.”

“The Puckett family inspires us all.  They are truly civil rights champions,” says Jennifer Rogers, spokesperson for AID.org.  Rogers interviewed the family and learned they have adopted a daughter from Bulgaria, and are in the process of adopting 2 boys from China, both with medical needs; one with hydrocephalus and the other with spina bifida.   

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx9IGEHKoxA

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About Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities – Foundation

Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities and their Charitable Foundation (AID.org), formed January 2016, serve to advance equal rights and opportunity as well as remove barriers for people with disabilities of all types.  By taking affirmative action towards commercial and business locations that are not ADA compliant they are quickly bringing about a wave of compliance. The AID Foundation is also a growing resource for any individual with a disability looking to receive help with various issues relating to their disability or compelling needs.

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