TRI FOR A CAUSE!

Geo Thomas, President of AlphaWolf Basketball, is racing to the aide of The Detroit Institute for Children. For the last nine months, Coach Geo has been training for the Steelhead Triathlon, an event that includes a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run (70.3 Miles in all) and will take him roughly eight hours to complete. It is his personal goal to raise $5000 for the DIC.
“Nothing is more inspiring for my own training than seeing the determination on the faces of the kids at the DIC,” says Geo, “Despite their obstacles they do it with great big smiles. I want to directly help these kids take their first steps or speak their first words."

"I am not a seasoned triathlete," adds the 42-year-old Geo, "But the challenge of this triathlon is nothing compared to the challenges the DIC Kids go through every day.”

The recent economic downturn has had a dramatic effect on fundraising efforts nationwide, and The DIC is particularly hard hit. Yet, it is through the support of people like Thomas that The DIC can continue its rich 90-year legacy of being the only pediatric, special-needs focused outpatient facility in this region.

Since 1920, The Detroit Institute for Children (DIC) has been helping children with special needs throughout Southeast Michigan. The DIC provides physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as many other wrap around services and programs tailored to the needs of these amazing kids. The DIC is the first in this region to use Ultrasound Guided Botox Therapy to help children with spastic muscle control. The Multi-Sensory Gym is an incredible therapy tool for children with sensory disorders like Autism. And at the DIC, no child is turned away, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

This inclusivity comes at a price, however. With rising numbers of families discovering disabilities in their children and the dramatic loss of or reduction in insurance reimbursement, The DIC relies on its fundraising to ensure that ALL children with special needs in Southeast Michigan get the quality care they deserve.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

In order to reach Coach Geo's goal of raising $5000 by August 1, he needs at least 250 people to give a minimum of $20.00. Here is how you can help!

GIVE ON LINE: Donations can be made directly to The DIC by clicking here, http://www.detroitchildren.org/?id=113&sid=1

GIVE OVER THE PHONE: Please Call Kristi Pavlak at the DIC:(313) 578-4517. Be sure to tell her that you are sponsoring Coach Geo's Triathlon!

GIVE BY MAIL: You may send a check made out to “The Detroit Institute for Children” 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit MI 48202. Please be sure to reference Geo Thomas Triathlon in the memo line.

Mitchell

May 18, 2009

Our 12-year-old son, Mitchell, is a very loving, social and happy young boy who was diagnosed at age one with a rare syndrome named Hypomelanosis of Ito. He struggles with low muscle tone, cognitive impairment, scoliosis, asthma, epilepsy, obesity and his inability to speak. Three years ago, we were very fortunate to discover The Detroit Institute for Children. This facility not only provides a high level of medical care but also an extremely professional and caring group of therapists who provide weekly one on one care in all critical areas of occupational, physical and speech therapy. Through these sessions, our son has been able to accomplish tasks and excel to levels we did not think possible (i.e. speak with a communication device, walk on a treadmill for approximately 25 minutes, and accomplish the task of dressing himself with socks and shoes).Like every parent, we strive to provide the best for each of our children. As parents, having Mitchell attend The Detroit Institute for Children has aided us in attaining this goal.

Our Mission

To care for children with physical or developmental disabilities, neurological or behavioral special needs in a way that is positive, passionate, integrated and family-centered so that the children can maximize their potential within their families and the community.