*quote by Kitte Turmell

Posing in front of the fish aquarium that was bought by the "Make a Wish Foundation", Austin and his dad Kevin, were gracious and happy for this moment. Austin has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, an often fatal disease and just celebrated his 4^th birthday 10 days ago.

Austin shared his hobbies. His fish aquarium is the home of saltwater fish Nemo and Dora and recently some crabs that Arron the fish guy brought over. "Hey dad, did you see the new crabs we got? You know what those crabs do? They eat algae and then spit it back out." Austin is so verbal and intelligent he often seemed like a mini adult.

Austin loves dinosaurs and has many in his bedroom suited for any lucky 4 year old. He told all about the different species that decorated his room and of his favorite, the stegosaurus. "This one has plates not spikes" he shared. His room was painted orange his favorite color. To the color analyst, orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. These traits describe Austin perfectly.

Austin bragged about his older brother. "I need help with Legos but Peyton can build lots of Lego stuff. He can build the castles and can read the directions to any Lego stuff." He also talked about his best friend Ashley, a kindergartner next door who comes over to play. Austin receives itinerate services and is home-schooled. He loves art and shared the baby owl "Bill" made of cotton and a large pinecone he made with his teacher Mrs. Jane.

Austin is very much a typical 4 year old. But under the hobbies and bragging, another story is unfolding. He is confined to his wheelchair and has bouts of life threatening illnesses every few months. He has a teacher from Olentangy come to his house for his educational needs as opposed to going to preschool due to the risk of his health needs. His health is always on guarded status and his parents have to balance raising 2 very intelligent boys in a loving home and the medical procedures of a hospital.

Kevin Colwell shared how Delaware County Bd. of Developmental Disabilities has helped Austin and his family. When Austin was first diagnosed his SMA right before his first birthday, it was apparent the current house they were living in was no longer suited for their needs. As they investigated options, the Colwells learned that Delaware County was where they needed to bring Austin. They had heard of the outstanding services provided in Delaware County as compared to where they were living and promptly put their house up for sale. They set out to build a house that would suit their younger son’s needs; even living in a small apartment to do so.

The first thing that Delaware County Family Directed Resources helped with, was the purchase of a special queen-size bed. "When our oldest son was ready for his big boy bed, we gave him ours and we bought a new bed for ourselves. We didn’t know at the time how important this action would be. We enjoyed the extra space when we would read before bedtime or when Peyton was sick and needed a little extra cuddling. When Austin came around, we just naturally assumed we would get him a queen size big boy bed when the time came." Little did they know how invaluable the bed would be. With Austin’s new diagnosis, a special bed was purchased. It is able to be raised and lowered to fit Austin’s medical needs and has memory positions. Because Austin does not walk, run or climb, his lungs do not clear. The bed massages him to help alleviate this. " The bed has been invaluable." says Kevin. "The many times that Austin has been sick, we can rest next to him to keep a close eye on him. He can raise the bed up so he can see his TV in the morning when he has his breakfast. On the days that he is confined to bed, we can get in beside him and read."

Although the house they currently live in was built with Austin’s needs in mind. The bathroom still needed a few modifications as Austin grew. His bathroom was modified using Family Resources to accommodate his growing needs. Just recently his bedroom was fitted with a shelving alcove area to house his growing medications and equipment.

The family was able to buy a special bike trailer for Austin so he can enjoy bike rides with his whole family. It is specially designed with special seating and to fit onto Kevin’s bike. It has plastic windows and a netting cover to go over the front to keep the bugs out and the breeze in.