Fundraiser to be held for toddler in need

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) --  Caylee Fleming battles through life daily because she has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and she is blind. Her family was struggling to get her a new wheelchair after they were turned down by Medicaid, but some kind souls stepped in to help.

Three-year-old Caylee Fleming was on time for her therapy session at the Pediatric Specialty Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Justine Fleming, Caylee's mother, said, "When her twin died at 30 weeks, she suffered a blood clot to her brain which caused brain bleed and a stroke."

Caylee has a wheelchair, but still has to be carried to most places by her father or mother.   
   
Fleming explained, "Medicaid paid for a wheelchair that doesn't fold so it can only go to school on the bus."

A wheelchair designed to meet Caylee's special needs will improve her quality of life.

"We have another child who is nine and we like to go to the park," Fleming said. "We like to go out on family outings, even when I go grocery shopping, I have to carry her."

Medicaid has denied their request for a new wheelchair and with Caylee's dad unable to work due to Huntington's Disease, it is even more challenging.   

The customized wheelchair costs $5,000, money her parents do not have.

That's where Greg Christofakis and Ziba Guy step in. They've got the Flemings' back.

"She's working three jobs, trying to raise as much as she can, so we decided to do what we could as far as giving back," Christofakis said.

A car wash is planned at Greg's Autobody in Milford , who is also donating a portion of proceeds from his business.

"It's all about loving people in your community and giving back and doing the right thing, helping others that are in need," Christofakis explained.

The Flemings are thankful for this helping hand and they are now optimistic that Caylee will get what she needs.    

"We know she's not going to get up and run a marathon but, if she can live her life with a smile and as much happiness in her heart as we have carrying for her, that's all we want," Justine said.

Medicaid's policy is to pay for only one wheelchair, but that can be appealed. However, many families are forced to come up with the money for a second one somehow.

For more information on fundraising efforts, call 203-876-7399.