THE REASON WE ARE DOING THIS

By Dennis Hensley

Sometimes when we perform our “mission” of helping the kids, the concept can be somewhat abstract. Each of us probably knows a handicapped kid somewhere. Maybe a cousin or distant relative and, although it is heartbreaking to see a kid in pain or one that doesn’t fit in because of some physical challenge or condition, it can be really hard to relate. This is the story of Nick, my son, who benefited to no end from his experiences.

It started with a headache and fever. I was in Midland on business when four year old Nick’s Mom called and said he had a slight fever. Rule of thumb from our family doctor was to bring him in if the fever lasted more than 24 hours so that is what we decided to do. Next morning the fever was gone. Cool. I got home the next afternoon and Nick seemed OK but said his head hurt. Fever was back and it went downhill from there. Soon he was crying uncontrollably and we were on our way to the emergency room. I am not sure whether they we not busy or if they were concerned, but we got right in and, having been called, our family doctor was there. He had his first seizure while being examined and within minutes was on his way to the children’s pediatric unit at Herman hospital where they cut a hole in his head the size of a quarter for a biopsy.

The prognosis was not good. We were faced with a 1/3 chance of survival and if he did survive, the likelihood that Nick would have require constant care and not have much quality in his life and would be profoundly retarded. Chances were better if they administered an “experimental” drug at the time (acyclovir - 1984). That and the constant attention of the medical staff saved his life, but not without after effects. Against predictions, Nick was left with a seizure disorder and slight retardation.

As Nick was growing up, many were willing to help, but the organization that stood out, offering the most support for Nick was The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas. In addition to the many things they offer, there was a summer camp for kids, Camp Spike and Wave, that gave Nick a chance to function in surroundings where he was not “different” and no-one cared if he had a seizure in the middle of some activity. It was just Nick in surroundings where he was not different and could develop the confidence to function in the real world.

Sounds a lot like “Camp for All”. Nick is all grown up now, proudly holding down a job sacking groceries at H.E.B. and the seizures, which still happen occasionally, are for the most part under control. He even has the confidence, to practice Tai Kwan Do, where he holds a Brown Belt.

I am not sure whether it is our primary mission to ride motorcycles and secondary to provide help to organizations that help kids like Nick, or the other way around. I Guess it doesn’t make much difference. The point is, Nick’s Mom and I could not give him everything by ourselves and thanks to organizations like The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas, Camp for All, Boys and Girls Country and many others, the quality of life of “God’s Special Kids” can be exponentially improved. Thanks to them and thanks to the organizations, such as the Deacons, that supports them.