dakota medical foundation | dakota medical charities

THE FULL CIRCLE OF HOPE
In 2001, DMF received an emotion-filled,
heartfelt thank-you note from grateful parent, Adair
Grommesh, whose 11-month old son, Garrett, had
just participated in the Hope, Inc. Magic Mobility
Camp sponsored by DMF. “Thank you, DMF, for
letting my son experience ‘walking’ for the first time”,
the note said – with a picture of an adorable smiling
little boy trialing a piece of mobility equipment.
Garrett was born with spina bifida. The Camp
provides assessment and mobility equipment trials
for up to 50 children with physical disabilities each
summer. Access to mobility equipment helps the
children improve their circulation and muscle
development, decrease leg contractures, improve
digestion and heart and lung function and increase
self-esteem and socialization skills.
An amazing result of that initial experience is that,
in 2006, the grateful mom became Hope, Inc.’s
executive director! Adair tells “the rest of the story”:
“In June 2001, our world was permanently
changed for the positive! We were invited by
Garrett’s therapist to attend a mobility camp in
Moorhead. At this camp, a whole new world was
opened to Garrett through the trial of various
mobility equipment that enabled him to stand
and move around on his own. If not for DMF’s
support, this camp may not have existed.
When invited to serve as Hope, Inc.’s executive
director, I felt confident that my enthusiasm,
passion and actual life experiences could enable
Hope, Inc. to do even more. Children with
disabilities need more than just one week to
socialize with other children experiencing similar
issues. So, with the help of others, we started a
weekly sports and monthly recreational program
to allow the kids to be a part of a team and
experience the social interaction and recreation
that able-bodied children enjoy.”
Garrett is now seven years old and has experienced
13 surgeries. He maneuvers his wheelchair like a
Nascar driver on the track! His positive attitude and
radiant smile brighten the days of everyone who
comes in contact with him. The boundaries of his
potential are not a part of his mind or body, but
rather that of society.
“Throughout the years, DMF has helped our
organization with grants and trainings. But
most importantly, the DMF staff and board
believe in what our organization stands for
and the potential it has to impact the lives of so
many. On behalf of all of the children we serve,
thank you DMF for your support! You have
allowed our family to come ‘full circle’ and
made dreams come true for so many!”
To learn more about Hope, Inc. and how you can help,
contact Adair Grommesh at adair@hopeinconline.com,
agrommesh@cableone.net or at 701-866-9002. Match
donation checks of $50 or more may be written to
DMF and sent to Hope, Inc., 803 22nd Ave. So.,
Moorhead, MN 56560.
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