Evan's Story, Chapter 12, Playtime

Playtime

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Zechariah 8-5

   When Evan was younger, playing with toys was not as easy as one might think. Many toys are designed with the normal, fully capable child in mind. Unfortunately, these toys may be useless to a child with disabilities. The Easter Seals organization had a solution to this problem. They would adapt the toys to the young children with disabilities. These toys would be available through their “Lekotek” program. “Lekotek” is a Swedish word for “Toy Library.” It was run just like a library for books. We could check toys out for a few weeks, return, and check out others.

   When Evan was four years old, Easters Seals wanted publicity for the Lekotek program. Every year, Easter Seals raises money through their annual telethon. Since the director of the Easter Seals in San Luis Obispo was totally charmed with Evan’s bright smile and infectious laughter, she asked us if they could feature Evan.

   Why not? What parent wouldn’t want their adorable kid on TV? We gladly gave permission.

   He didn’t disappoint. They let him play with a wire controlled toy police car. This toy made lots of noise, flashed a lot of lights, and darted back and forth. That is, it was the kind of toy that drives a mother crazy but delights the child. Evan loved it. The 1991 Easter Seals Telethon was the first time Evan appeared on television. Cindy was also interviewed. She pointed out that Evan took his first steps toward a Lekotek toy.

   In 1995, when Evan was eight, the Santa Maria television station, KCOY, agreed to run a spot for Spina Bifida awareness. This telecast spotlighted Evan. They also interviewed Dr. René Bravo.

   In the interview, Dr. Bravo explained that Evan was a good example of how a child with spina bifida could thrive if he had access to good medical care and a supportive, loving family. To illustrate Dr. Bravo’s point, Evan was shown zipping down our driveway and sidewalk, having a good time.

   Cindy and I were also interviewed in our home. We took this opportunity to state what a joy Evan had been in our lives. In the telecast, our statement was immediately followed by a clip of Evan saying, “No I’m not.”

   During the telecast, possible causes of spina bifida were discussed, with an emphasis on folic acid. A deficiency in folic acid, a type of B vitamin, is thought to be a contributor. Dr. Bravo concluded the segment by advising all pregnant women to take multivitamins that include folic acid.  This could be an important message to any and all expectant mothers. We were glad to have played a part.