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KRCC still seeks support, donations despite canceling telethon
SIKESTON — Events for the 40th Annual Kenny Rogers Children’s Center may have been canceled in light of the coronavirus outbreak, but the need for community support remains.
Early this week the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center made the decision to cancel all remaining events scheduled for its telethon, which was set for Saturday and Sunday.
“Please know that these are difficult times, and our decision was based on keeping our patients and staff safe. We are still asking that everyone continue their fundraising efforts,” said Michelle Fayette, executive director of the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center in Sikeston.
However, telethon fundraising has been extend through April 3.
“We need the community’s support right now more than ever before so we can continue to provide the services we do,” Fayette said Thursday.
Also on Thursday, Fayette said due to the outbreak, the Center would be closing for all therapy appointments starting Friday through April 3 with a plan to reopen April 6.
Children in Southeast Missouri who attend the Center receive physical, occupational and speech therapy based on their needs. In its 40 years of existence, the nonprofit facility has never charged a family for the services they receive.
One telethon tradition that will continue this year is highlighting the event’s 2020 poster children, who are the true stars — children who receive services from the Center. This year’s telethon stars include Christopher “Tucker” Baragar of New Madrid, Fabayan Larry of Sikeston, Claudia Lawrence of Chaffee, Jaxon Turner of East Prairie and Madison Vanvacter of Essex.
Fayette said the Center will be posting pre-recorded interviews with the poster children on its Facebook page.
Tucker, who is the 2-year-old son of Sarah Wescoat, is described by his family and therapists as a very energetic, outgoing and determined boy. When he first started attending the Center, he was barely rolling over at 12 months. Since coming to the center he has made remarkable progress, his family and therapists said. He is now running, jumping and trying to talk.
Fabayan, who is the 10-year-old son of Lindsey Sterling and Brandon Hamilton, is a very smart, caring and enthusiastic child, the He has been receiving services from the Center for about six years. When he first started coming, he didn’t talk much at all, his family and therapists said. The next step was a talking tablet that he selected pictures from, and it would talk for him. Now Fabayan speaks on his own.
The 8-year-old daughter of Robert and Stephanie Lawrence, Claudia has grown so much since starting at the Center, according to information from the Center. She has worked on feeding issues, such as chewing and trying new foods and textures. Her handwriting has improved in the past six months. Her family and therapists said it’s much easier for her now, and she enjoys writing much more. Claudia’s speech has improved greatly, and her family and friends can now understand a lot of what she is saying.
Jaxon, 5, is described as very outgoing; he loves talking with people and sharing his interests. When he first started coming to the center, Jaxon really struggled with having confidence to talk with others. He loves to socialize, but he had difficulty expressing himself. Now he has been coming to the center for one year, and the change is immense, according to his family and therapists. He loves to read stories to his class and he initiates play with his peers. He is the son of Aaron and Courtney Turner.
When starting KRCC, Madison, who is the 11-year-old daughter of Ashley Wilson, had major sensory problems, according to her family and therapists. She wouldn’t hold anyone’s hand, hug anyone and wouldn’t hardly let anyone touch her. She didn’t like to be around people not even her own family, and she cried all the time. She wouldn’t walk very far; she mostly would crawl. She would only eat puree foods due to her not knowing how to chew. Now, after being at the center, she loves to be hugged, loves being around people and doesn’t get near as bothered by being touched. She also eats regular food now, and she walks everywhere.
For more information, call the Center at (573) 472-0397. Donations may be made online at www.kennyrogerscenter.org or by texting “KRCC” to 91999 or by returning donor cards mailed by the Center early this month.