Ireland’s Dream looking ahead to future with help from ‘Angel Donors’ – WJRT

Ireland's Dream is to establish a medical center dedicated to the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy and their families.

DAVISON, Mich. (WJRT) - Ireland's Dream is to establish a medical center in Genesee County, dedicated to the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy and their families, creating a safe haven.

Dr. Megan Strauchman, Ireland's mother, said during a traumatic birth for her daughter Ireland, where upon delivery, the ambilocal chord cut off oxygen to baby. Ireland was born without a heart beat and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Ireland's Dream is to establish a medical center dedicated to the treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy and their families.

"We really knew from the beginning, that we were going to face a road," said Strauchman. "They told me she would never do much of anything. I decided that wasn't going to be the case; That she was going to be everything we could get her to be."

Being a physician, Dr. Strauchman was aware of medical conditions, but this one hit home. Starting therapy from the time Ireland left the hospital, her mother found centers were far and few in between; Many times, hours away, not all in one place and expensive.

"To find out that these modalities exist, but they are scarce. That was really troubling to me, because we need more of this. We need these children to be able to reach for the stars," she said.

Strauchman said she saw the therapy work.

"We were able to really see that coordination strengthen. It was amazing what her therapist did with her, it was beautiful."

That spurred a thought.

"We were dreaming of this place, telling my husband, it needed to exist but really it was a dream," she said.

The talks with her husband led to legally forming Ireland's Dream in 2015. Since that time, 5K's, galas, 'Artic Splashes' and golf scrambles have helped raised money, getting the word out.

A piece of that dream will be a reality in just a few months. Step by step, support and work, has lead up to buying 18-acres of land in Davison near Lippincott Road.

"I knew in my heart, if we could have a place, where all of these modalities we're under one roof, where everything was within somebody's reach that it was affordable, that somebody could stay for long periods of time, again making that affordable. That it would be perfect," saidStrauchman.

Ireland is on also on a baseball team, allowing children to interact, defying odds of the physical limitations.

"We are doing a handicap accessible baseball field, we right now have children that play on the team with us, called CP Warriors, we have fun every summer, but they need their own field."

This is just one part coming to fruition; The other plans are for a $25 million facility including a place to stay, therapy center, a pool, nature paths.

Strauchman says she can't wait until that moment, in the 40-thousand square foot center.

"I go running down, and I get to watch a kid walk for the first time- something maybe their parents or child never thought they could do, but because of the therapy's we provide, we know can help the children progress."

So now, through coutless events and fundraisers, Ireland's Dream continues in reality.

"We just need those angel donors out there, we know there are people out there, if they hear about us, we are sitting here ready and waiting for you, we just have to get the word out."

And Ireland continues to push forward as her family is a voice for her.

"I feel like Ireland was put into our life because they need a voice. Kids with Cerebral Palsy, they can do more, they can progress, for so many years we put them into a box," she said. "This was put in front of me, this is maybe why I'm hear on earth."

To follow along on the journey, or make a donation click here.

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Ireland's Dream looking ahead to future with help from 'Angel Donors' - WJRT