Almost two years ago, Amanda and Dave Craft set out to make a splash.
Their son Davy, 12, was born with Baraitser-Winter Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder affecting only 50 people worldwide.
The condition caused impairments, developmental delays and severe, medication-resistant seizures.
Despite facing many challenges over his few years, Davy Craft’s enthusiasm for what he loves has never faded — and he’s always loved playing in the water and hanging out with other kids.
“Every time Davy is out in the community and is able to play with other kids, you can see his face light up,” said Dave, a teacher and former Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, “Every kid that’s around him gravitates towards him. The enjoyment, the pleasure, the happiness, just glows from Davy.”
The Crafts were searching for a way to satisfy their son’s passions for splashing and people.
That’s why, when the Make-A-Wish Foundation approved the Craft family’s request for a small, backyard splash pad, the Crafts dreamed big.
“Anyone who really knows Davy knows that a splash pad for one wouldn’t work,” Amanda said with a laugh. “He loves when everybody comes together and plays with him. He just loves to be included.”
That mutual feeling was clear recently when more than 100 people turned out for the conclusion of the Craft’s project — the dedication of the Womelsdorf Swimming Pool’s new all-abilities Splash Pad for Davy.
Amanda said the splash pad wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the entire community.
The pad was funded by more than 300 donations from businesses and community members, totaling $155,000, as well as a grant from the Berks County commissioners.
Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. said the splash pad is a fine contribution to plans to enhance parks and recreation facilities for all people countywide.
“This splash pad is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together,” Santoni said.
Help from the borough of Womelsdorf as well as the IM ABLE Foundation and Make-A-Wish was also critical in making the project happen.
“The amount of support from the entire community has just been mind-blowing,” Amanda said. “I think back to our first fundraiser … it was in the middle of a hurricane, it was cold, raining, absolutely miserable … that day we raised $11,000, it was simply unheard of.”
Alex Pilkington, CEO of IM ABLE, said the nonprofit was started in 2007 to create inclusive environments where people with physical or cognitive challenges can freely express who they are.
“Today all of us have removed a barrier, it’s not just one organization that has done this,” Pilkington said. “I’m humbled by how quickly we made it happen.”
Holding back tears, Amanda said such efforts spoke volumes about how people stood behind Davy.
“This is more than I could ever dream it would be,” Amanda said. “It (the splash pad) wouldn’t have been meaningful in our backyard. Davy would’ve always been looking for somebody to play with.”
Davy’s joy was undeniable at the event as he splashed away under the pad’s colorful nozzles and spritzing streams, a smile on his face.
He was joined by more than a dozen kids who wasted no time jumping in.
“It (the pad) is so much easier for him because he can’t walk very long through freestanding water,” Amanda said. “And now everyone can enjoy it, older people, 80, 90 years old, they come over with their canes and dip their feet in.”
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment