Author’s style and “robots” inspire students

March 16, 2011

Author’s style and “robots” inspire students

Volunteertv.com | March 15, 2011

Cool hip tunes blasted the library at Claxton Elementary School as author Sigmund Brouwer of Nashville, entertained the students with his Rock -n-Roll Literacy Show.

He says, “Good songs, like good stories make you feel something. That’s my pitch to kids. Grab a story and you get lost in it like you get lost in a good song.”

One of the students Connor Murphy has been reading a series of bBouwer’s books called Robot Wars.

“They are about a kid (in a wheelchair) who can control robots through his brain, and solves the mysteries through his brain,” according to Brouwer.

Lise Murphy says, “It’s been wonderful, “it’s been a great addition to his Christmas gift.”

Connor’s mom says the books were a Christmas gift Connor enjoyed so much, the family tracked down Brouwer to visit the school.

“Connor got hooked on them, he and my husband read them nonstop for about two months.”

Lise says Connor can easily relate to the stories, he has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and lost most use of his muscles, but has plenty of brain power, like the boy in the books.

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Odds were against Nora Gooden turning two

January 25, 2011

Odds were against Nora Gooden turning two

WVLT | January 25, 2011

East Knoxville, Tenn (WVLT) — Most parents will tell you that first birthdays, becoming a teenager at age 13, and then turning 18, a young adult, are major milestones to celebrate.

But for one East Knoxville family, seeing their daughter turn two is huge, and encouraging news.

Nora Gooden’s second birthday celebration is one her family will always cherish.

Her mother, Jaime Gooden says, “90 percent of SMA kids don’t make it to two 2, so we have now entered that elite category of children of ten percent who make it past the two mark. So it is a huge milestone for us.”

Nora’s favorite celebrity, Mini Mouse even made a surprise appearance at her party on Sunday.

Mom says, “Nora just lit up. It was priceless.”

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Santa Makes Terminally ill Child’s Wishes Come True with an iPad

December 27, 2010

Santa Makes Terminally ill Child’s Wishes Come True with an iPad

Chip Chick | December 27, 2010 | By Ali Heriyanto

The iPad has been used in so many different ways in its relatively short time on the market. It’s not only enhanced our portable entertainment experience but also aided us in ways when it comes to work or just socially. But probably the most touching use of the iPad that we’ve seen yet, is with Nora. Nora is only 2 years old and unfortunately suffers from SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). She received an iPad from a generous person who donated it to her this Christmas. This iPad has unsurprisingly helped make Nora’s 2nd Christmas even more special. Every day is precious to Nora and her parents, so every little bit of pleasure this child experiences only helps her remaining days on earth, no matter how few they may be. The interesting thing to observe is that even though Nora is seriously disabled, she still lights up at the sight of the iPad and figures out how to use it within minutes… just the simplest programs have engaged her.

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City May Be Liable In Disabled Boy’s Death

November 23, 2010

City May Be Liable In Disabled Boy’s Death

Courthouse News Service | November 23, 2010 | By Jeff D. Gorman

The family of a disabled boy who died on his way to the emergency room from school should not have had their wrongful death lawsuit dismissed, the Tennessee Court of Appeals ruled.

Tadarius Moore, 9, suffered from spinal muscular atrophy. He could not walk or hold his head up on his own, and he often suffered from pneumonia due to the buildup of phlegm in his lungs.

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