In April 2022, Matt and Mollie Patrich received the wonderful news that they were expecting twin boys. Filled with excitement and anticipation, they began preparing for their future as parents. However, their joy turned into uncertainty when, during their 20-week ultrasound, doctors informed them that one of their babies had a neural tube defect. After further testing, the diagnosis was confirmed: their son had Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of Spina Bifida.

Faced with this seemingly devastating news, several doctors told Matt and Mollie that their son would have no quality of life and strongly recommending that they choose to abort their baby, even if there was the risk of losing the other twin in the process. After much prayer and thoughtful counsel, Matt and Mollie made the courageous decision to move forward in faith. They didn’t know what the future would hold, but they were ready to embrace whatever came their way, determined to give both of their sons the best lives possible.

At 35 weeks, Mollie went into early labor, and Will and Warren were born. Both boys spent several days in the NICU, with Will needing additional care due, due to having surgery just hours after birth. Despite being paralyzed and in the midst of recovery, Will immediately showed his strong-willed nature by attempting to escape his NICU crib.

As the boys were born prematurely, they were evaluated for early intervention services through the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE). Will was referred for physical therapy through an outpatient clinic, but the costs quickly added up. The Patrich’s found themselves facing an out-of-pocket expense of $1,000 for his first 2 visits. Knowing that Will would need ongoing therapy, Matt and Mollie realized that the cost would be unsustainable in the long term.

Fortunately, their path to support led them to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project. Through BCOE, Matt and Mollie were connected with Lisa Milardovich, a physical therapist with the Elks Major Project. The program offered free, home-based therapy, which was exactly what the Patrich’s needed with twin newborns at home. This free service made it possible for them to continue Will’s therapy without the overwhelming financial burden, bringing hope to the family during a challenging time.

At just three months old, Will began his physical therapy journey with the Elks Major Project. During his first appointment, Lisa introduced the family to an innovative treatment option for children with Spina Bifida: non-invasive spinal electrical stimulation. This groundbreaking technique uses electrical stimulation to activate uninjured peripheral nerves, encouraging muscle activation, improving circulation, and promoting better alignment and muscle development. These factors play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and function.

After learning about the potential benefits of this treatment, Matt and Mollie were eager to give it a try. They quickly purchased a spinal stimulation unit for Will, and Lisa taught Mollie how to use the unit so she could continue therapy on a daily basis. As the months passed, Will began to show remarkable improvement. By nine months, he was sitting up independently. At 12 months, he started army crawling across the floor, exploring his surroundings with determination.

To further support Will’s development and encourage standing, braces were introduced, helping to stabilize his body from his hips to his feet. This allowed Will to take his first assisted steps in a walker with Lisa’s help. Over time, Will’s mobility improved, and by the following year, he was walking in his walker with only minimal assistance.

Will’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the effort required to stand and walk, he is always eager to get into his braces and continue making progress. His determination and resilience shine through in every session, as he works hard to improve with each passing day.

For Will and his family, the support they have received through the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project has been invaluable. Thanks to Lisa’s expertise and the home-based therapy provided by the Elks, Will’s future no longer seems limited by a wheelchair. With each milestone, Will’s future grows brighter, and the Patrich’s are filled with gratitude for the progress their son has made so far.

The impact of the California-Hawaii Elks’ free home-based physical therapy services cannot be overstated. For families like the Patrich’s, these services offer much more than just physical care—they provide hope, encouragement, and a path forward. The support from the Elks Major Project has given Will the opportunity to achieve goals that once seemed impossible, and the family is eager to see what the future holds as they continue working with Lisa over the coming years.

The Patrich family’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community support. Through the Elks Major Project, Will’s progress has far exceeded their expectations, and they are excited to continue this journey of growth and healing. With the continued support of the California-Hawaii Elks and their dedicated therapists, Will’s potential is limitless.

In a world where so many children face challenges that seem insurmountable, the work of the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project stands as a shining example of how compassion, dedication, and innovative therapies can change lives. Will’s story is proof that, with the right support, children with spina bifida—like Will—can achieve incredible things.

 

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