2023 Holiday Giving

Update as of December 6, 2023

Carsen and DJ have been in the hospital since last week, but are doing well now and Mom is hoping that they are able to come home today. 

Adopting an Additional Family

We recently learned of an additional family that needed help and had not been adopted. We could not let a family...and especially a 14 month old run around outside without a warm coat.  We recruited help from a local physical therapy business and are adopting the additional family of three.  So far we have purchased their coats, shoes and a high chair. Stay tuned for more details!

This Year's Adoption

*Please note that ages are at time of adoption.

This is the Bates family’s 27th year of adopting families with our family and friends and our 19th year adopting families through the Macomb Infant Preschool Program (MIPP). We have decided to "completely adopt" one family this year. 

This year we have chosen to adopt the following deserving family with Mom, Dad, two boys (with significant special needs) and a little girl: DJ's Family. We are adopting Donte Junior, AKA "DJ", (6 months), his brother Carsen (Age 4), his sister Caisyn (Age 2), Mom, and Dad. 

Mom got pregnant with Carsen at age 28. During birth, Carsen got stuck in the birth canal and had a delayed delivery. He was sent to Children’s Hospital with low oxygen and failure to properly latch even to a bottle for feedings. He stayed there about a week and showed improvement. 

At about 3 months, Carsen was diagnosed with hypotonia. According to Healthline, “Hypotonia, or poor muscle tone, is usually detected at birth or during infancy. It’s sometimes called floppy muscle syndrome. If your infant has hypotonia, they may appear limp at birth and not be able to keep their knees and elbows bent. Many different diseases and disorders cause the symptoms of hypotonia. It’s easily recognizable because it affects muscle strength, motor nerves, and the brain. However, diagnosing the disease or disorder that’s causing the problem can be challenging. And, your child may continue to have difficulty with feeding and motor skills as they grow.” 

Carsen started therapy as soon as possible, but at about 5 months of age he started choking easily. At 8 months he choked on his own secretions, and he was rushed to the hospital where he had to be resuscitated and intubated. He remained in the hospital for 3 months. 

Caisyn had an uneventful birth and she is average development for her age. 

Several months after Caisyn was born Mom and Dad were surprised to find themselves pregnant again, this time with Donte Junior, “DJ”. About 3 months after DJ’s birth he was diagnosed with hypotonia and he began therapy. DJ’s ability to feed started declining and he had to be placed on a feeding tube. Late this summer, he had labored breathing, and when Mom checked his oxygen level, it was extremely low. She took him to the hospital and he was found to also be having sleep apnea episodes. They intubated him for two weeks, but he did poorly when he came off the intubation. As a result, he received a tracheotomy. 

Dad is a welder and works hard to support his family. Mom stays home full-time now to take care of the largely bed and homebound boys and their sister. Carsen attends Glen Peters as he is able with his health as he is completely ventilated and oxygen dependent. DJ is not ventilator dependent, except at night, but sometimes requires ventilation assistance during the day. 

Mom says, “I am happy to be their parent and to be on this journey with them every day.” She speaks lovingly and knowledgeably about her children and their health concerns. 

Additional Needs

We have also had several other families reach out through MIPP with larger items needs like high chairs, car seats, cribs, crib mattresses, pack and plays, learning toys, beddings, etc. We will provide these items to additional families as we are able based on our funding this year. 

If you can help, please click the button below!