Roman Paul Vega, age 3, attends Ability Camp

Roman Paul Vega, age 3, attended Ability Camp in Canada, thanks to the generosity of the Santa Paula Lions Club, and of the Garden Market for holding a fundraiser for Roman. Ability Camp is a conductive education program that has been successful in improving fine and gross motor skills, balance, mobility and independence for children with cerebral palsy. Roman attended the camp for the first time in October 2005. The program consists of five hours of extensive therapy and one-on-one attention five days a week for five weeks. Since there are no programs or assistance of this type here in the U.S., the Vega family had to travel to Canada, bearing all expenses including airfare, transportation in Canada, food, accommodations, and the camp itself.Roman, the son of Paul and Corinne Vega of Santa Paula, was born May 8, 2002 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Following his birth, he spent 17 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, cared for around the clock. When he was released from the hospital, he continued to have problems eating and cried constantly. At age 4 1/2 months Roman was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the neurological disorder that affects the muscular system and motor skills.Roman is now attending Penfield Preschool. He receives regular treatment from his physical, occupational and speech therapist. Due to his age, he no longer qualifies for treatment by an Easter Seals therapist.The Vega family is “proud of the accomplishments our son has made since attending the camp. The support and relationships that we formed in Canada between the other children and parents that are dealing with the same situation are immeasurable. We are forever grateful to our family, friends and unknown acquaintances of the heart that have helped and continue to help our family in our mission to attend the Ability Camp.” They plan to return to the camp this spring.