Courtesy Photo | David and Stephanie Weinberg from Joint Base Andrews, Md., are the parents of...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON. D.C. - Many airmen have a personal story about how the Air Force Assistance Fund helped them when they needed it most. This is just one of them.
David and Stephanie Weinberg from Joint Base Andrews, Md., are the parents of 10-year-old Abigail, or Abby as they like to call her, a child diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome, or AGS-1.
The disease is a rare genetic, white-matter brain disorder that usually manifests within the first few weeks of life, and is usually fatal within the first few years of life.
Abby is the oldest known child in America with the disease, and requires round-the-clock care. She cannot hold her head up, talk, control her limbs, walk, crawl, or move around, and has had multiple surgeries to reshape her joints. She has to be fed through a feeding tube, she’s had to have her esophagus re-routed to keep her from vomiting, and her immune system is very weak.
Despite all the things Abby cannot do, however, she can still smile and laugh, and lighten the hearts of those around her.
“Abby has taught people how to see the innocence of a child, how to re-prioritize the trivial things in life, how to pray, and how to genuinely smile. She's our miracle girl,” David Weinberg said. “She knows no anger, hate, bitterness, or any of the things you and I experience that weigh us down from time to time. All she knows is pure, unbridled love, and if you ever meet her, you will see that in the first second of your encounter.”
Stephanie Weinberg is Abby’s primary caregiver, as well as Abby’s older sister, 13-year-old Riley, whom David Weinberg describes as being “wise beyond her years.”
“Riley doesn't have the luxury of being a normal teenager, as she is constantly taking care of the house, yard work, laundry and miscellaneous other chores that Stephanie can't do while taking care of Abby,” he said.
Transporting the family with Abby and her wheelchair is another challenge for the Weinberg family. David Weinberg explained that it got to a point where he and his wife could not safely transport Abby in their other vehicle.
“She is 50 pounds and still growing,” he said. “We used to have to lift the 80-pound wheelchair and Abby separately into our other vehicle, and she would flop all over the place due to her lack of head and limb control. This was causing us a great concern for not only our weakening backs, but most importantly for her safety.”
That was where Air Force Assistance came in.
The Weinbergs received $5,000 toward a $45,000 basic Toyota Sienna minivan modified with a rear-entry ramp. That way, Abby could ride safely in the van and stay in her wheelchair.
“We were just looking for a little help in the form of a loan, but were amazed at the outpouring of support from the AFAF,” said David Weinberg. “The AFAF greatly assisted us by providing us a much-needed grant to help fund the handicapped-accessible modifications required for our daughter.”
David Weinberg encouraged potential AFAF contributors to remember stories like his when considering whether to give, and how much.
“I know economic times are tough, and many other charitable organizations vie for our attention on a daily basis,” he said. “But I believe the AFAF is one of the most worthy causes out there because it relates to our Air Force family. It reminds me of when I was a young Airman, and my first supervisor told me that the Air Force was more than just a uniform or learned skill set. It was a team and a family, and we had to stick together in order for our mission to succeed. It was about serving something greater than ourselves, and now I know, firsthand, that the AFAF embodies and perpetuates that philosophy. People tend to give their time and money to something that warms their heart, and they can get a glimpse of the smiles close to home. With the AFAF, donations aren't sent thousands of miles away where the impact can't be seen. When someone flips through a Combined Federal Campaign catalog, or sees a flier or poster for the AFAF, I hope they can read stories like ours. Not only are we extremely grateful, we are also very humbled by this opportunity to spread the word to others about this program.”
He said that the family takes life one day at a time.
“We don't know what tomorrow holds,” he said. “Our time together is about quality, because we really don't know how much quantity we have from day to day. But, nevertheless, we are blessed.”
The Weinberg family has a website dedicated to Abby where visitors may view photos, read more about her story and even receive updates about her progress. Log on to www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbyweinberg for more information.
The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign will run through April 20 at JBAB with a goal of raising $4,700 for the base. However, donations are always welcomed.
The Potomac Lanes Bowling Facility will also host an AFAF Bowling day, from noon-4 p.m., March 27, where donations will be accepted. The $8 cost will cover frames and shoes.
Contributions may be made in the form of cash, check, or payroll deduction for active duty Airmen, or retired Airmen may set up a deduction from their retirement pay.
For more information or to donate, contact your unit representative or log on to http://www.afassistancefund.org/.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2012 14:45 |
| Story ID: | 85558 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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