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May 8, 2009

Payton’s place? Minnesota

Area family raising funds so they can attend camp with son, who has cerebral palsy

By Lauren Ricks Staff Writer

Heath and Kathy Feagin of Murchison are raising money to take their son to a camp, but not just any camp.

The Education Family Conference Camp will teach Payton, 2, basic skills most people take for granted.

The couple’s only child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was one year old.

The camp will be held in Lakeville, Minn., from July 14-20. The workshop conference fee is $8,500 for the family.

“We are shooting for $10,000 for airfare and hotel costs,” Kathy said.

She said they have raised about $5,000 so far. Payton has been registered for the camp and a deposit has been paid, according to Feagin.

“I have to send the rest by June 5,” she said.

The camp will feature Dr. Svetlana Masgutova. She developed the Masgutova Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration method to help children and adults dealing with developmental challenges including CP, autism, asperger syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay and speech and language development delay.

According to the Svetlana Masgutova Education Institute’s Web site, the method is a set of programs focused on the restoration and maturation of primary movements, reflexes, coordination systems and skills for optimal performance of natural mechanisms, developmental processes, brain functioning and sensory-motor integration.

Kathy said she expects the therapy to improve Payton’s focus and balance, among other motor skills.

“I know it’s going to be more strides,” she said. “I have a program I am working on with Payton.”

Both parents help their son with exercises. Kathy said she has already seen a vast improvement. The exercise program works every part of his body, from face to foot.

“Through the exercises (Masgutova) retrains the brain,” she said. “Teaching his brain the correct pattern of reflexes.”

Feagin said the purpose of the program is to integrate reflexes a child is born with into their everyday life. She said the goal is to make the actions instinctive for Payton.

“The hopes are he may decrease the amount of exercises he has to do,” Feagin said.

She said she is optimistic he may walk one day. Feagin said several fundraisers will be held during the next two months for Payton’s camp fund.

• May 16 and May 30 — a car wash at the Old Whataburger building, on State Highway 31 east. She said they will also be selling hot dogs and other snacks.

• May 31 — a garage sale in Murchison

• June 6 — a garage sale off Highway 59.

• June 13 and June 27 — a bake sale a Wal-Mart.

For more information call 903-340-7443 or go to www.paytondale.com.

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