Although our Zumbathon has passed, you are still able to donate directly to the Lockie family. We will keep our website open a while longer. The link to donate is at the bottom of this page
Along with some very passionate local Zumba Instructors, joining us all the way from Maryland, USA is Zumba® Jammer OMAR REYES!!!
Omar is originally from the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua and is currently a resident of Washignton DC Metropolitan area. He is AFAA certified and has worked in the health field for almost 20 years.
"I grew up with music around me. That is why I love Zumba®. I graduated from University of Maryland, University College with a degree in Psychology.
I apply positive psychology in my Zumba® Fitness classes creating space for people to have a good time, believe in their capacity (self), burn those calories, get in good shape, and feel good (mind, body and spirit). " - Omar Reyes
Omar is originally from the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua and is currently a resident of Washignton DC Metropolitan area. He is AFAA certified and has worked in the health field for almost 20 years.
"I grew up with music around me. That is why I love Zumba®. I graduated from University of Maryland, University College with a degree in Psychology.
I apply positive psychology in my Zumba® Fitness classes creating space for people to have a good time, believe in their capacity (self), burn those calories, get in good shape, and feel good (mind, body and spirit). " - Omar Reyes
ZIN™ Members Ellis and Elly van Schuur, both Zumba instructors in Langdon and Strathmore, are organizing a Zumbathon in honor of Braxton (Bubbe) Lockie and his family. They were touched by this family's story and are determined to help get Braxton his very own pool so that he can exercise his muscles and learn to move his body, using his own strength.
Braxton is only 10 months old and has already faced many challenges in his very short life. He was officially labeled disabled and has been diagnosed with:
Dandy-Walker syndrome; Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum; Simplified folds of the Brain; Epilepsy, Infantile Spasms; and Vision Impairment. As a result he is developmentally delayed.
Through the eyes of Braxton and his family and why we want to help them:
"At nine months old he had little control of his head and struggled to push up on his tummy. When he developed eating problems, a g-tube was surgically inserted to his stomach, through which he is now fed a ketogenic diet. Braxton however, continues to beat the odds and keeps smiling. He is starting to learn to use his arms and hands, and is opening his eyes for longer periods of time. Although we attend physiotherapy and do daily exercises, it is hard to see our little boy struggle with movements infants can master.
On land, Braxton has a very hard time moving his body. His brain is abnormal in the area that controls muscle movement, and his whole body is very floppy. Braxton struggles to lift his head, arms, and legs, and cannot yet roll over, push up from his belly, or grasp objects. Gravity is working against him, and as he grows bigger it is getting harder for his muscles to catch up and carry the heavier load.
However in the water Braxton is free and in control. I cannot express the joy I had seeing him in his first water therapy class in the Alberta Children's Hospital rehab pool. The buoyancy of the water helped to support his core and lift his arms, which allows him to play in our arms without collapsing into a puddle. Then we put a Swimava around his neck and a miracle happened. Braxton put his legs out behind him and started kicking! The next time we had water therapy he added a scoop motion with his arms...he was swimming!
We wish could have Braxton in the pool everyday. Unfortunately circumstances are preventing us from using the public pools. He has a higher chance of aspirating than other children, and public pools aren't the cleanest of places for children with such complex medical needs. As well, Braxton often seizes in loud public places, such as a pool with many voices. He loves his baths, but he can't doggy paddle around the tub either.
A swimspa would be perfect for Braxton. We can keep it at the perfect temperature. We can make sure it is a clean and peaceful environment. Since we live in a small town we wouldn't have to drive an hour into the city. Braxton will be able to swim more often and therefore develop his muscle strength and coordination at a faster rate.
We just want to see our son smile, and this is one way we can make his tough life a lot happier." - Tara Lockie
For more info on Braxton or his challenges and triumphs visit: www.fortheloveofbubbe.weebly.com
Braxton is only 10 months old and has already faced many challenges in his very short life. He was officially labeled disabled and has been diagnosed with:
Dandy-Walker syndrome; Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum; Simplified folds of the Brain; Epilepsy, Infantile Spasms; and Vision Impairment. As a result he is developmentally delayed.
Through the eyes of Braxton and his family and why we want to help them:
"At nine months old he had little control of his head and struggled to push up on his tummy. When he developed eating problems, a g-tube was surgically inserted to his stomach, through which he is now fed a ketogenic diet. Braxton however, continues to beat the odds and keeps smiling. He is starting to learn to use his arms and hands, and is opening his eyes for longer periods of time. Although we attend physiotherapy and do daily exercises, it is hard to see our little boy struggle with movements infants can master.
On land, Braxton has a very hard time moving his body. His brain is abnormal in the area that controls muscle movement, and his whole body is very floppy. Braxton struggles to lift his head, arms, and legs, and cannot yet roll over, push up from his belly, or grasp objects. Gravity is working against him, and as he grows bigger it is getting harder for his muscles to catch up and carry the heavier load.
However in the water Braxton is free and in control. I cannot express the joy I had seeing him in his first water therapy class in the Alberta Children's Hospital rehab pool. The buoyancy of the water helped to support his core and lift his arms, which allows him to play in our arms without collapsing into a puddle. Then we put a Swimava around his neck and a miracle happened. Braxton put his legs out behind him and started kicking! The next time we had water therapy he added a scoop motion with his arms...he was swimming!
We wish could have Braxton in the pool everyday. Unfortunately circumstances are preventing us from using the public pools. He has a higher chance of aspirating than other children, and public pools aren't the cleanest of places for children with such complex medical needs. As well, Braxton often seizes in loud public places, such as a pool with many voices. He loves his baths, but he can't doggy paddle around the tub either.
A swimspa would be perfect for Braxton. We can keep it at the perfect temperature. We can make sure it is a clean and peaceful environment. Since we live in a small town we wouldn't have to drive an hour into the city. Braxton will be able to swim more often and therefore develop his muscle strength and coordination at a faster rate.
We just want to see our son smile, and this is one way we can make his tough life a lot happier." - Tara Lockie
For more info on Braxton or his challenges and triumphs visit: www.fortheloveofbubbe.weebly.com
ZUMBATHON DETAILS:
May 25, 2014 15:00 - 16:30
Doors Open 14:15
Scandinavian Centre, 739 20 Ave NW Calgary T2M 1E2
Cost: $25
!!!Bubbe would like us to wear something green as this is his favorite color!!!
May 25, 2014 15:00 - 16:30
Doors Open 14:15
Scandinavian Centre, 739 20 Ave NW Calgary T2M 1E2
Cost: $25
!!!Bubbe would like us to wear something green as this is his favorite color!!!
Thank you for your interest in joining our Zumbathon for Braxton!
Advanced registration is now closed. You are still very welcome to join us Sunday and pay $25 at the door. Doors will open at 2:15 pm. The party will begin at 3:00 pm
See you soon!!
If you can't join our Zumbathon, but still want to help please donate directly to the Lockie family by visiting:
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/bubbe-s-pool-fundraiser/133777/donate#pp
Advanced registration is now closed. You are still very welcome to join us Sunday and pay $25 at the door. Doors will open at 2:15 pm. The party will begin at 3:00 pm
See you soon!!
If you can't join our Zumbathon, but still want to help please donate directly to the Lockie family by visiting:
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/bubbe-s-pool-fundraiser/133777/donate#pp