A five-month-old child, “David”’ was recently referred to Any Baby Can of San Antonio by a health services provider who had scanned the child for a cranial remolding orthotic (helmet) to treat his diagnosis of Plagiocephaly. David’s mother had just lost her job along with its insurance, and her husband had just started a small business of his own, making the purchase of the helmet out of reach.

Even though she was starting a new job, the loss of income while job hunting and the cost of starting a business found the family depleted of funds.

David’s mother was able to get her son on Medicaid, which unfortunately does not cover the cost of this important orthotic.  While the initial service provider offers a payment plan, it still required the full cost be paid in full within 30 days and it was something the family simply could not afford.

Thankfully, David received his cranial helmet thanks to the work of Any Baby Can’s Case Management/Crisis Assistance and Family Support program.

The impact the birth of a child with special needs has on the family is immense. Instantly, the family’s dreams are altered and their lives are changed forever. The stress has the potential to tear even the strongest families apart.  Add to that other stress factor such as losing employment, and the odds decrease. Any Baby Can believes that the child can be helped without losing the family.

Any Baby Can of San Antonio, a United Way partner agency, is a non-profit agency providing services to families who have a child birth through 17 years of age with a chronic illness, disability, developmental delay or health risk. The child must reside in Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Blanco, Caldwell, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Medina, Real, Uvalde or Wilson County.