Current status
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Happy Birthday Zac!
I can't believe our little man is turning 6 years old! I will post more later...but for now, he is doing great, and is walking well!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Moving right along!!!!
It has been so long, and I am not even sure that anyone will read this note! Just thought I would stop in and write a quick up date. Time away means that we are busy with somewhat "normal" everyday life and blogging is the farthest thing from my mind. My neglect of this blog means that others miss out on some of the amazing things that we get to see everyday. The things that we get to witness on our front row seats of God's work. Just last night was one of those moments as I was putting Zac to bed he said "I am glad that God made toes for us to wiggle." I quickly agreed, and said we do need to be thankful for our toes, not everyone has them. Zac wanted to pray right then and there to thank God for his toes, he also prayed for those who do not have toes that God would give them toes! Zac has no idea how close he could have been to not having those toes! It was an overwhelming moment for us, we are thankful once again for leading us to Drs. who would be so skilled in preserving Zac's legs and toes! Thank God for toes!!!
I wanted to shout from the roof top a few months ago as Zac starting taking his first steps and in the past few months walking and now almost running, and even dancing on his feet. Not sure why I did not post then, just busy I guess. The walking has taken sometime, but I can surely say, Zac is now walking, and we give praise to God for this miracle!!! I will post video soon.
We had a return visit to Dr. Paley right in the beginning of the walking. We thought that surgery would be scheduled for Zac's right ankle at that visit. The decision was made to wait, and we will not return to Dr. Paley for a year. This decision was based on the fact that Zac uses that turned ankle to get up and stand. Moving the position of his foot may be a mistake and work against his mobility at this time. We have taken this as direction for now, a year may give us different answers, but as for now there will not be any surgeries this year.
Big brother Cai has turned 7 yrs. He is an amazing big brother, who is sensitive and loving, yet strong in his own right. We are so proud of him. Zac will be turning 5 this month, and will enter Kindergarden this fall. Time is going by so quickly! It is great to be on this side of some very challenging events in our lives and to be able to look back and see how God, many caring people, and lots of prayers have seen us to this point. God is good!
I wanted to shout from the roof top a few months ago as Zac starting taking his first steps and in the past few months walking and now almost running, and even dancing on his feet. Not sure why I did not post then, just busy I guess. The walking has taken sometime, but I can surely say, Zac is now walking, and we give praise to God for this miracle!!! I will post video soon.
We had a return visit to Dr. Paley right in the beginning of the walking. We thought that surgery would be scheduled for Zac's right ankle at that visit. The decision was made to wait, and we will not return to Dr. Paley for a year. This decision was based on the fact that Zac uses that turned ankle to get up and stand. Moving the position of his foot may be a mistake and work against his mobility at this time. We have taken this as direction for now, a year may give us different answers, but as for now there will not be any surgeries this year.
Big brother Cai has turned 7 yrs. He is an amazing big brother, who is sensitive and loving, yet strong in his own right. We are so proud of him. Zac will be turning 5 this month, and will enter Kindergarden this fall. Time is going by so quickly! It is great to be on this side of some very challenging events in our lives and to be able to look back and see how God, many caring people, and lots of prayers have seen us to this point. God is good!
Friday, July 16, 2010
High Point Enterprise article 7/16/2010
Help for Zac: Church fundraiser assists boy's family with medical expenses
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SPECIAL | HPE Four-year-old Zac Snider, born without arms and knee joints, can operate a video game joystick with his feet.
What’s different about Zac is that he was born with no arms – his hands protrude from where his shoulders are – nor with knee joints.
The condition stems from a rare genetic disorder called TAR syndrome – short for thrombocytopenia and absent radius. Thrombocytopenia means low platelets in the blood, and absent radius refers to the missing forearm bones that are characteristic of the disorder.
“He’s able to walk with a walker now, and he uses his (power) wheelchair,” says Zac’s mom, LeAnn Snider. “We’ve also moved (from Archdale) to Lexington, and he has much better access in this home.”
As he has grown, Zac has learned to use his feet in some instances to compensate for not having arms. For example, a feature article in the Enterprise three years ago told how Zac, then only 8 months old, could play his toy xylophone by grabbing the mallet with his toes.
Today, it’s the joystick of his video games.
“He has a video game that he can play with his brother (Cai),” Snider says. “He plays with his leg braces off and moves the joystick with his feet.”
Zac continues to progress developmentally. He hasn’t required any major surgeries recently, though he may need surgery soon for his right ankle, which turns outward at a severe angle.
“We go back for a checkup in August, and we’ll find out then,” Snider says.
In the meantime, the Sniders’ church – Mount Zion Wesleyan in Thomasville – continues to support the family financially to assist with ongoing expenses.
On Saturday morning, for example, the men of the church will sponsor a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the family, with plates selling for $5 apiece. Donations will also be taken, and live entertainment will be provided by the Barry Ball Singers.
For more information, contact the church at 472-4239.
jtomlin@hpe.com | 888-3579
Read more: High Point Enterprise - Help for Zac Church fundraiser assists boy s family with medical expenses
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Another blessing
We have been blessed lately, to be able to move into a house that is one level, including a flat level entrance. Although not yet settled, and trying to clear the fog from the move. We already notice the difference in caring for Zac, and that the one level-open floor plan allows him to go anywhere in the house as he needs.
We are also thankful that we are able to sell our house (still in the process; under contract).
Currently working on some changes to Zac's braces. This has been more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Really, Zac needs to return to Physical Therapy...just have to work it all out.
We are also thankful that we are able to sell our house (still in the process; under contract).
Currently working on some changes to Zac's braces. This has been more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Really, Zac needs to return to Physical Therapy...just have to work it all out.
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010
It is hard to believe that we are entering a new year, yet this past year has seemed like two years rolled into one!
We entered 2009 with Zac only having completed 1 of the 3 surgeries on his left leg. He was still wearing the fixator. On January 13th he had the second major surgery which was very successful! As a result Zac now has a knee that is able to bend at about 70* (90* is a sitting position), Dr. Paley first thought that we might get 20*! The fixator was then removed in March, and he was fitted with new braces. He is now able to stand and walk with assistance! It has been awesome to see this miracle played out before us. Just to look back and see his bent legs, and to see them now, is amazing.
James was able to find a job which he began at the end of February. This is a big praise! All of the travel, insurance premiums, and lack of income has been difficult...but God has met our needs each step of the way, and we are so thankful for how He has worked in our lives. He has also sent some amazing people into our lives as we continue on this journey.
Zac received his power chair in May. This gives him a great sense of independence when he gets a chance to go as he pleases...or as Mom allows!
Cai started Kindergarden this fall. He is doing well, but we are still working out the joys and struggles of homeschooling. He is so good with Zac. They do have their times of being typical brothers, but for the most part these two guys are best buds! We are very proud of Cai and the boy that he is becoming!
Zac is developing in his own ways, including a personality that works for him! What I love is that he is determined to do things himself. He also does not have any trouble communicating his needs, or wants. I am convinced that God gives these kids extra measures of grace including their personalities. All I know is that he is teaching us a lot along the way....
We continue to progress with Zac, he has a walker on order, that he has tried and can maneuver quite well. These things just take a long time to get. He just received another set of new braces. These are more advanced and durable. Hopeing to give him the stability and mobility that he needs.
We will be back to see Dr. Paley in Feb. for the next follow-up visit. It is our hope that all is good for now and that there won't be any more surgeries...at least for a while. Zac is on a 6 month follow-up schedule with his surgeon.
We are anticipating great things for 2010!!! What ever happens, we know that God is in control...and has a plan beyond our imaginations. He has seen us through every step of the way and He gets all of the praise!
We entered 2009 with Zac only having completed 1 of the 3 surgeries on his left leg. He was still wearing the fixator. On January 13th he had the second major surgery which was very successful! As a result Zac now has a knee that is able to bend at about 70* (90* is a sitting position), Dr. Paley first thought that we might get 20*! The fixator was then removed in March, and he was fitted with new braces. He is now able to stand and walk with assistance! It has been awesome to see this miracle played out before us. Just to look back and see his bent legs, and to see them now, is amazing.
James was able to find a job which he began at the end of February. This is a big praise! All of the travel, insurance premiums, and lack of income has been difficult...but God has met our needs each step of the way, and we are so thankful for how He has worked in our lives. He has also sent some amazing people into our lives as we continue on this journey.
Zac received his power chair in May. This gives him a great sense of independence when he gets a chance to go as he pleases...or as Mom allows!
Cai started Kindergarden this fall. He is doing well, but we are still working out the joys and struggles of homeschooling. He is so good with Zac. They do have their times of being typical brothers, but for the most part these two guys are best buds! We are very proud of Cai and the boy that he is becoming!
Zac is developing in his own ways, including a personality that works for him! What I love is that he is determined to do things himself. He also does not have any trouble communicating his needs, or wants. I am convinced that God gives these kids extra measures of grace including their personalities. All I know is that he is teaching us a lot along the way....
We continue to progress with Zac, he has a walker on order, that he has tried and can maneuver quite well. These things just take a long time to get. He just received another set of new braces. These are more advanced and durable. Hopeing to give him the stability and mobility that he needs.
We will be back to see Dr. Paley in Feb. for the next follow-up visit. It is our hope that all is good for now and that there won't be any more surgeries...at least for a while. Zac is on a 6 month follow-up schedule with his surgeon.
We are anticipating great things for 2010!!! What ever happens, we know that God is in control...and has a plan beyond our imaginations. He has seen us through every step of the way and He gets all of the praise!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sharing our story...
I had the opportunity to share our story with 60 homeschool students and their parents. It went well, other than me shedding a few tears. Why do I always cry? It really can be a hang up. I do hope to refine the presentation and have the opportunity to do it again sometime. The focus of the talk had to do with God's plan and purpose for our lives, using Psalm 139:13-16, and Jeramiah 29:11. God creates us for a purpose, and uses our differences to mold our lives and help ourselves and others grow. I am thankful for this opportunity, and for the blessings of all the miracles that we have seen along the way!!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dr. Visit
We've returned from another follow-up with Zac's surgeon. This was the first one in FL. It was so nice to spend time with family and friends. We have not been able to travel to FL in over 2.5 yrs; both of us have siblings, and I have extended family that live less than an hour from Dr. Paley's new institute. We had a great time. Zac has never been to the beach, and Cai has only been once before. They loved it! I will have to post pictures later.
Dr. Paley gave us a good report. He does not believe that any procedures need to be done at this time. He was very happy with Zac's efforts and progress toward walking. We will proceed with the Physical Therapy and efforts to walk. Dr. Paley expressed very confidently that Zac will walk without assistant devises. He did however recommend a helmet when attempting to walk on his own. We are proceeding to order the walker that he is now trying in PT. I was overcome with emotion today as I saw Zac walk in that walker. It was amazing to see him walk himself closer to a toy in the waiting room that he could reach for the first time, standing on his own two feet! We are so blessed to witness these miracles first hand. God is so good.
We are now on a 6 month follow-up schedule with Dr. Paley. Each visit will determine if anything needs to be done based on growth, and Zac's mobility development. It is a good place to be; and I don't think there is anything that we would do differently. We are so thankful that we had this option with such an amazing surgeon, especially when we see Zac standing and now walking (with a walker)!!!
Dr. Paley gave us a good report. He does not believe that any procedures need to be done at this time. He was very happy with Zac's efforts and progress toward walking. We will proceed with the Physical Therapy and efforts to walk. Dr. Paley expressed very confidently that Zac will walk without assistant devises. He did however recommend a helmet when attempting to walk on his own. We are proceeding to order the walker that he is now trying in PT. I was overcome with emotion today as I saw Zac walk in that walker. It was amazing to see him walk himself closer to a toy in the waiting room that he could reach for the first time, standing on his own two feet! We are so blessed to witness these miracles first hand. God is so good.
We are now on a 6 month follow-up schedule with Dr. Paley. Each visit will determine if anything needs to be done based on growth, and Zac's mobility development. It is a good place to be; and I don't think there is anything that we would do differently. We are so thankful that we had this option with such an amazing surgeon, especially when we see Zac standing and now walking (with a walker)!!!
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