Fundraiser Planned for 4/26 at Joe Willy’s
Addison Bryan, a fourth-grade student at Hartman ES, is about to take the next step in her long medical journey. Addison was born August 2007 with a rare orthopedic condition called Larsen’s Syndrome, where she had dislocated hips, club foot and knees that faced backwards.
After 4 surgeries and numerous casts at the age of 3 she began walking, and even though her legs do not bend, she has never slowed down.
Through her own struggles, she has raised more than $135,000 for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, where she has received treatment since birth, for children as a way to say thank you to them for all they have done for her.
“Addison inspires me because she does so much for Scottish Rite Hospital and for the community,” said Hartman ES Principal Becky Reidling. “She really wants to help other kids, and she does it from the heart.”
Realizing that playgrounds and parks are not designed with everyone in mind, Addison began a new adventure: revitalizing parks in her community. She began with the park at Hartman ES and then moved on to city parks.
Through conversations with her principal, Rockwall ISD board members and city council members, Addison was able to make her campus park as well as her community park, Breezy Hill Park, redesigned with all children in mind.
She also gained the commitment from the city that all future parks would be designed with the same sentiment.
Now Addison has to turn her focus to herself and her medical journey.
Addison will be having a surgery in May in West Palm Beach, Florida to lengthen her leg three inches, requiring her to stay there during her rehabilitation. There are also future surgeries planned over the next few years to get her legs to bend.
“Addison’s determination is an inspiration to everyone who knows her,” said Julie Bryan, Addison’s mother. “Addison’s teachers and friends at Grace Hartman have always supported her and her vision she has for herself and her community.”
There will be a fundraising event benefiting Addison’s medical journey Thursday, April 26 at Joe Willy’s from 5-9 p.m., featuring a silent auction and raffle. Lisa Taylor from 99.5 the Wolf will be in attendance.
Click here to view the flyer for the event.
Addisons 2014 birthday wish
