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Our love story began in August of 2010 and like many other couples, we looked forward to starting our family in the Vail Valley. After several challenging IVF cycles, we were overjoyed to welcome our son, Jax, in January 2019. Our IVF journey continued, and five years later, on Nov. 7, 2021, we welcomed our twin boys, Nash and Liam. Like all expectant parents, we had dreams of our three silly boys biking, hiking, and skiing together in our beautiful mountain town.

Despite a healthy pregnancy and no apparent cause, Liam suffered a traumatic birth that resulted in a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy event. Amidst our tears and the uncertainty of Liam’s injury, we left the hospital two months later, unsure of what the future would hold. Doctors told us Liam would be very sick and likely not survive — but Liam had other plans.

Liam’s diagnosis requires full-time care and presents many challenges. Liam struggles daily with multiple uncontrolled Epileptic seizures and quad Cerebral Palsy. He continues to bring immense joy to our family. However, navigating the world with disabilities in the Vail Valley has not been without its obstacles. Essential specialized equipment is vital for Liam’s quality of life, but finding and securing it can be an uphill battle.

After an extensive search, we finally found the perfect adaptive stroller for Liam to enjoy outdoor adventures alongside his brothers. Unfortunately, our insurance denied coverage not once, but four times. It felt like yet another hurdle we couldn’t overcome.

Thanks to Liam’s wonderful speech therapist who suggested we apply for funds through the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. We struggled with believing that our needs were worthy of such a generous grant over others’ needs. The Vail Valley Charitable Fund assured us that our need was no less important than any other.

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Thanks to generosity and support, Liam received the funds to purchase a Hoggi Bingo medical stroller — an essential piece of medical equipment that has transformed our ability to include him in family outings. With his new stroller, Liam can now join his brothers on all adventures, experiencing the beauty of the world around him, safely.

We feel incredibly blessed by the outpouring of compassion and generosity from the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Their staff’s kindness has not only given Liam greater comfort and inclusion but has also lightened our journey as a family.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Vail Valley Charitable for believing in Liam and supporting our family. Your impact has been profound, and we are forever grateful.

Colorado Gives Day is right around the corner. Every donation made now through Dec. 10 is boosted through a state-wide incentive fund. When you consider your year-end giving, please consider the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.

Kayla and Grant Christensen are Vail Valley Charitable Fund grant recipients. Find out more about the Vail Valley Charitable Fund’s mission at .