Palmer's Garden

Palmer, a vibrant and determined young boy, has faced extraordinary challenges since birth. Due to a brain injury at birth, he lives with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, which affects his entire body. Palmer experiences uncoordinated, jerky movements, chronic pain, and muscle spasms, requiring extensive therapies, medical interventions, and support. Despite being wheelchair-bound and reliant on assistive devices for communication, Palmer's love for life and determination inspire everyone around him.

Eating is one of Palmer's biggest challenges. The muscles for swallowing and drinking are uncoordinated, making it difficult and sometimes dangerous. Meals can take up to three hours, and as he tires, his coordination worsens. To ensure proper nutrition and medication management, Palmer now has a PEG feeding tube directly into his stomach. This has allowed him to gain weight and eat small amounts of food for enjoyment rather than necessity. He also works closely with a Speech Therapist for feeding and a Dietician to manage his health.

Palmer's life revolves around constant therapies and appointments.

From physiotherapy at Healthy Strides, which he loves, to speech and occupational therapy, orthopaedic care, and respiratory management for his sleep apnoea, his schedule is full. He wears AFOs for support and will undergo major spine surgery in January 2025 to address scoliosis that impacts his breathing and comfort. Despite all this, Palmer remains positive and excited about life.

One of Palmer's greatest joys is gardening with his dad. It's both therapeutic and fun, but accessing the garden has become more challenging as he grows.

The Build Now Foundation is creating a custom accessible garden where Palmer can enjoy planting and caring for his favourite plants directly from his wheelchair or walking frame. This space will allow Palmer to nurture his passion while connecting with his family and the world around him.

This garden is more than just a project, it's a lifeline for Palmer to continue thriving, growing, and sharing his incredible spirit. Together, we can help Palmer build his dream garden, creating a place of independence, creativity, and joy for years to come.