The Walling Family, Cleveland, OH
2006 2nd Annual Cleveland Event Recipient
Jim & Jennifer Walling’s house was always alive with commotion with three boys – Nick, Zach and Luke – all under the age of nine. But this past December, Nick, their oldest son, was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma and had to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove the tumor. After the surgery, Nick was not able to walk or speak; he had double vision and lost his fine motor skills.
To regain his abilities, Nick has daily therapy, which until recently had only been available out-of-town. In addition, Nick started chemotherapy and radiation treatments which took a heavy toll on his energy level. Together, Jim and Jenny were trying to balance Nick’s treatments and therapy while providing normalcy to their family and maintaining income. Jenny, a nurse, had temporarily stopped working to spend as much time as possible with her three boys.
Having three boys had thrust Jim into the role of coaching year-round youth sports including baseball, basketball, and football. At the same time, Jenny's schedule had allowed her to spend several hours a week helping with the reading program at Nick and Luke's school, as well as organizing activities at their school and at Zach's preschool. The family was an active member at their local church, with both Nick and Luke attending religious education classes.
Betterment's support went to help the Walling's through this difficult financial and emotional time by providing support for their bills and travel connected with Nick’s illness.
To regain his abilities, Nick has daily therapy, which until recently had only been available out-of-town. In addition, Nick started chemotherapy and radiation treatments which took a heavy toll on his energy level. Together, Jim and Jenny were trying to balance Nick’s treatments and therapy while providing normalcy to their family and maintaining income. Jenny, a nurse, had temporarily stopped working to spend as much time as possible with her three boys.
Having three boys had thrust Jim into the role of coaching year-round youth sports including baseball, basketball, and football. At the same time, Jenny's schedule had allowed her to spend several hours a week helping with the reading program at Nick and Luke's school, as well as organizing activities at their school and at Zach's preschool. The family was an active member at their local church, with both Nick and Luke attending religious education classes.
Betterment's support went to help the Walling's through this difficult financial and emotional time by providing support for their bills and travel connected with Nick’s illness.
