High Point Enterprise article 7/16/2010

Help for Zac: Church fundraiser assists boy's family with medical expenses

by Jimmy Tomlin

18 hrs ago | 110 views | 0 | 1 | |

SPECIAL | HPE Four-year-old Zac Snider, born without arms and knee joints, can operate a video game joystick with his feet.

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LEXINGTON – At age 4, Zac Snider invests much of his time in the same things as any other boy his age – video games and superheroes, for example – but he’s not just another 4-year-old.

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

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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.

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!