Andrew Bowring
Disabled “Theme Child” Introduced at California-Hawaii Elks 98th Convention in Anaheim
Andrew Bowring will represent California – Hawaii Elks Association’s (“CHEA”) Major Project program through May 2014.
CHEA is best known for its state-wide children’s vision testing program and support of children with disabilities through its Major Project program, affectionately referred to as the “Purple Pig.” Elk members fill a purple piggy bank with “A coin a day so children can walk, talk, see and play.”
Erin Bowring went into premature labor at twenty (20) weeks. She was given little hope of the baby’s survival. But, she carried to term and on December 11, 2010 Andrew arrived as a nine pound five ounce healthy baby. Father James and sister Macie welcomed the new addition to the family. After several months, Andrew’s grandmother noticed Andrew was behind in motor skill development, which was confirmed through testing. In Tehama County, physical therapy services are very limited so the Bowring’s were referred to the CHEA Major Project program.
Within two weeks, Denise Wilson an Elks physical therapist visited the Bowring home. She outlined a physical therapy program to strengthen Andrew’s muscles. With the Denise and Bowring administered physical therapy, Andrew was soon able to sit up, crawl and eventually stand. Andrew was then diagnosed with a mild form of cerebral palsy. After using a “reverse” walker for a few months, leg braces helped him stand and walk. Physical therapy continues.
Erin said, “The Elks program has been phenomenal when it came to adjusting therapy to our family’s busy needs. Having the program there for us has made life so much easier and has made accepting Andrew’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy easier to handle. We really want to say thank you very much for helping our family so much. The program has positively influenced our lives and we truly want to say thank you.”
In addition to the gifts given to Andrew on the convention’s stage, he was granted his wish to visit Disneyland. At a recent Orange Coast District Elks gathering, it was learned of Andrew’s desire to visit Disneyland. An impromptu passing of the hat with donations from the ten Orange Coast District Elks Lodges netted over $1,000, more than enough for the entire Bowring family and care giver to visit Disneyland. Following the introduction of Andrew and his family, the president’s of 172 Elks Lodges proceeded to the convention stage announcing their yearly lodge donations to the Major Project program. The donations to the Major Project totaled $3.023 million.
Headquarters for the CHEA is in Fresno with headquarters for the BPOE in Chicago. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 145 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Hal Mattson, Orange Coast District Publicity
