Holton’s Heroes founder, Eric Weingrad, met Chanel and her father, Art Valesquez, in an elevator at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles during a routine visit. Eric was escorting his son Holton up to the neurology department when Art struck up a conversation. It wasn’t long before the two were getting off on the same floor sharing their children’s stories with each other.
Before heading their separate ways, the two exchanged phone numbers in the hopes Holton’s Heroes could help out Chanel in some capacity. Art was grateful for the offer but couldn’t think of anything Chanel needed at the time. He was just grateful to have met another dad walking the same path in life.
Chanel strikes a pose in her new adaptive stroller provided by Holton’s Heroes.
Chanel, the only child of Art and his wife Rocio, was born healthy and happy in the summer of 2016. However, at 9 months old she experienced a seizure which was determined to have been caused by a small mass in her brain.
“She underwent surgery to remove the mass and, thankfully, the mass was benign,” Art told us. “Two days after her surgery, the hospital inserted a tube to drain the fluid from her brain into her stomach, however, while she was recovering at the hospital she got an infection and suffered sepsis. We almost lost her.”
Art explained that as a result of the sepsis, the infection affected her entire body. This resulted in a lack of oxygen that ultimately damaged her brain while it was still developing.
Today, Chanel has cerebral palsy as well as epilepsy, and is unable to walk or verbally communicate. With the love and support of her parents, Chanel continues to make progress through various therapies.
As Chanel has gotten bigger, she quickly outgrew most standard-size strollers and requires something larger but still versatile. Art reached out to Eric to see if Holton’s Heroes could help them get something that would be more appropriate for her.
Thanks to our amazing supporters and donors, we were able to purchase Chanel a Special Tomato EIO Push Chair for her to grow with for years to come.
We are only able to continue to help kids recovering from brain injuries with your personal support. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift directly to our foundation today. You can donate safely here.
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“Thank you for your support and love. Please thank Holton on Chanel’s behalf. Thanks for taking care and loving our kiddos.”
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