Christian and Justin Moore’s 2-year-old son, Logan, was diagnosed with hypotonia – a syndrome that affects muscle tone and makes stability difficult. Because of his condition, their baby had to see a physical therapist regularly for muscle strengthening exercises.
Logan’s physical therapist suggested a gait trainer to help him with walking, but his parents weren’t sure if it will be covered by their insurance. They also weren’t certain whether it would arrive in a reasonable time.
So Christian and Justin decided to take matters into their own hands.
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As with most do-it-yourself projects, the couple thought that they would find something on YouTube that will teach them how to make their own gait trainer.
Sure enough, they found a tutorial. And it said that the primary material they would need was PVC pipe. The family proceeded to visit a Home Depot in Cedartown, Georgia to buy all the materials they would need.
“I found a video that looked pretty easy and got the list and took it to Home Depot to see if they had everything we needed,” Christian Moore said.
When they arrived at the store, she asked an employee if anyone could help them with their supply list.
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Christian was shocked by the next turn of events. A store manager and another employee came up to her to help.
“They started getting the parts together and told us they would put it together and would not charge us for it. They told us to go get ice cream and come back in an hour,” she said.
They did as they were told and when they returned, the walker was already put together. The employees even thought of writing Logan’s name on it!
“I couldn’t believe they were willing to do that. It took everything I had not to cry because it hasn’t been an easy road for my son. He has had a hard time doing things that would be easy for most children his age,” Christian said.
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Jeff Anderson, one of the men who helped build the walker, posted about the experience on his Facebook page. He wrote:
“Everyone was crying to see Logan walk around with the biggest smile on his face…Thank to all that help and for being a blessing to this family and to this little guy.”
The Moore family is thankful to all the Home Depot staff who made this possible.
“There are so many children out there with hypotonia, more than you would think. I am grateful to be able to share that there are still good people around to help,” she said.
Now, the next time that Logan visits his physical therapist, he would have his brand new walker in gear!