Ella's on the move !

Meet Ella. At 8 months, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor (optic glioma) that left her PT/OT-involved, with unsteady gait and diminished strength. And, she is blind.

Ella underwent several years of chemotherapy and, in September 2005, a huge surgery that left her with no function on her right side, unable to walk or speak clearly. After her tumor quickly returned, Ella underwent six grueling weeks of radiation treatment at the University of Washington. But despite these challenges, Ella is coming back, stronger and more determined. Today she is in public school and reading Braille and counting on an abacus.

And now, Ella has independent mobility, in the form of a Power Pumper.

"She loves it," said her mother. "We took it out the next day around the cul de sac and one of the neighbor girls ran around with her. It’s just what I was looking for. Something that is low to the ground, so she can reach down and touch the ground to get her bearing, something that is safe and something that works her muscles."

Ella loves to go fast and the Power Pumper gives her that freedom. "I’m hoping to have one for her at school so that she can cruise on the playground or in the gym during winter recess," said her mother. "She came home from school today and wanted to ride it.


Given that Ella is blind, it’s great that I don’t have to worry about her tipping over. She’s run it up the curb and onto lawns. My only concern is whether my homeowner’s insurance will cover any dents she puts into parked cars."

Your donation to the Children's Mobility Foundation will help many other children like Ella.
Thank you for your generous support !

Markham Woods children receive a much needed holiday gift

Thanks to generous donations during a holiday fundraising event, special-needs children at Markham Woods Elementary School now have a Power Pumper. This Power Pumper will allow several children with developmental and disabling conditions to get therapeutic exercise. The school budget was unable to carry the cost of a Power Pumper or like device.

The Children’s Mobility Foundation President Mike Jones and Development Director Heather Bohannon delivered the rider-propelled device to the Markham Woods gymnasium shortly before the Holiday break.

Click to watch a photo slideshow from the donation

The donation was made possible by contributions received during a Dec. 2 shopping event hosted jointly by Portland-area Toys”R”Us stores and the Children’s Mobility Foundation.

To learn more about CMF or become a donor, e-mail Mike or visit the CMF website.

Swanton Family Foundation commits $5,000 to children’s mobility

The Children’s Mobility Foundation is proud to announce the generous support of the Norman F. and Elise I. Swanton Family Foundation of Greenwich, Connecticut — our third Legendary contributor in 2006. The $5,000 Swanton donation will be used in the Portland Metro Area to provide special-needs children Power Pumpers for therapy at their schools.

Norman F. Swanton has been CEO of Warren Resources in NYC since 1990. He and his family are known for their philanthropy and generosity throughout the country. Norman is a longtime friend of Robert Pierce of Portland, Oregon. Robert has been a true angel for CMF by professionally, financially and personally supporting our goals to launch the foundation.