Natalie Welch Update
Posted on 01.12.04 by wjs3
January 12, 2004
John Smith arrived at Natalie's home in Cohoes with a stuffed dog for her from Sergeant Larry Warner of the Albany County Correctional Facility. She immediately took comfort from her new found friend, hugging and holding him on her lap. Natalie was bandage around her upper body to keep her right arm from moving, there were visable scars on the backs of both of her legs from the surgery. She occasionally wiggled in discomfort and mom told me that she is hopeful the bandages will be removed soon. Natalie sometimes wears a neck brace, which she did not have on during my visit.
The best news reported by mom was that there is a 70% chance that Natalie will have use of her right arm someday. Natalie continues healing and doctors reported that her surgery was much more difficult than they had originally thought. Natalie will eventually go through extensive physical therapy to teach her how to use her right arm because she was never able to use it before. Mom (Jessica) and dad (Shawn) said thank you to ACCFCB and the Elise Donlon Foundation, the money that they were given for their trip to Boston Children's Hospital was a big help.
Natalie Welch
Posted on 10.27.07 by wjs3
Natalie's right arm is paralyzed due to complications from birth. She is in Boston Children's Hospital scheduled for corrective surgery on Tuesday, December 16, 2003. Surgeons plan to remove nerves from behind both of her legs to try to reconnect them through her right arm, there is a 50% chance for success.
As we learn of Natalie's condition, we will update you on on our web site, www.accfcb.org.
Natalie traveled to Boston with her mom Jessica Jones, her dad Shawn Welch, and her 3 year old brother Cameron. An added burden for this young family is their son Cameron's autism .
John Smith, President of ACCFCB met with Natalie and her family on Monday evening, December 8, 2003 to break the good news that we were going to support them during this critical stage. John also dropped off four boxes of gently used toddler toys that had been donated to the family by an ACCF Correction Officer, George Baranski.
Natalie's mom Jessica said, "if you didn't help us, there was no other way that we could have afforded to be together as a family during this very tough time - especially during Christmas".
The Albany County Correctional Facility for Children's Benefit (ACCFCB), teamed with the Elise Donlon Organization to make this a reality for this young family.
With your support, ACCFCB promises to continue for children's benefit.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
John R Smith, President ACCFCB