CRIT Holds Fourth Annual Golf Tournament to Raise Funds
By: TELETONUSA /
On Monday, September 19th, 32 teams faced off during CRIT’s fourth annual golf tournament at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas. The event featured a post-play reception, chances at a drawing, and an exclusive clinic hosted by professional golfers Abraham Ancer and Bobby Díaz.
“I am thrilled to support the children of TeletonUSA again this year at the annual CRIT golf tournament,” commented Abraham Ancer. “Since childhood, this cause has been very present in my life, so supporting the CRIT children and their families is an honor.”
Special thanks to Genaro Dávila for your commitment as tournament director, organizing the fourth annual CRIT Golf Tournament and helping us spread our mission of inclusion, and Agrizar and USIO, presenting and platinum sponsors. Thank you, Abraham Ancer, sponsors, donors, and golfers, for making our annual tournament a huge success. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit children and their families receiving rehabilitation services at CRIT.
What is Medulloblastoma?
By: TELETONUSA /
Medulloblastoma is a tumor in the brain that primarily affects children between 5 and 9 years of age. This type of tumor most commonly arises in the part of the brain called the cerebellum, which controls the body’s balance and coordinated movements.
Initial symptoms of medulloblastoma can include but are not limited to the following:
Nighttime or morning headache
Dizziness
Double vision
Nystagmus
Nausea and vomiting
Problems with walking/ataxia
A medical doctor can first detect medulloblastoma with a neurological exam followed by an MRI brain scan. Treatment for medulloblastoma primarily focuses on removing the tumor to reduce pressure in the child’s skull, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Combining these three treatments increases a child’s survival rate to 70%.
Because the cerebellum is affected by medulloblastoma, children must see a physical therapist post-treatment of the tumor. Typical impairments include decreased postural control and balance impairments which can result in difficulty with functional movements, including bed mobility, walking long distances, navigating environments, and ascending/descending stairs. Physical therapy helps the patient return to baseline levels stronger than before. As a result of physical therapy, the child begins to regain self-confidence through fun daily activities.
Renowned Comedians Support CRIT At Annual Gala Mexicana
By: TELETONUSA /
On Thursday, September 8th, the second annual Gala Mexicana benefiting Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) took place in Laredo, Texas. The gala featured acts by renowned Mexican comedians Javier Carranza, “El Costeño,” and Edson Zúñiga, “El Norteño.” Funds raised on the Gala Mexicana, organized by Miss Laredo USA and Heroes for CRIT Ambassador, Alma González de la Cruz, will support children and their families receiving treatment at CRIT.
Gala Mexicana featured a silent auction, dinner, and a special guest appearance from CRIT patient Moises Pulido (12 years old). Moises has received rehabilitative treatment at CRIT for almost six years, and because of his treatment of care, he is thriving and now an actively involved middle schooler!
“Having the opportunity to knock on doors to bring awareness to CRIT and raise funds for this cause at this event was something I truly enjoyed. This opportunity means I’m helping to unite more hearts for this cause. Featuring two of Mexico’s most iconic comedians here in Laredo, Texas, supporting CRIT was a great honor,” said Alma.
Special thanks to the Gala Mexicana sponsors: GDC Group Logistics, PNC Bank, Frío Express, and Damas Voluntarias de Laredo, for making this event a huge success. We also deeply thank Ms. Alma González de la Cruz for her hard work, love, and dedication to CRIT. The Gala Mexicana is only possible because of her unwavering commitment to our patients and their families.
From Your CRIT Counselor: Mental Health Awareness
By: TELETONUSA /
Many adults are part of the “sandwich generation.” They are caring for elderly parents and young children. The challenge of balancing caregiving responsibilities and additional work and life activities can lead to high stress and anxiety levels.
Being a caregiver can be a loving and rewarding experience but also overwhelming and exhausting. A 2020 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 32.9% of unpaid caregivers surveyed displayed symptoms of anxiety, depression, or substance use within the 30 days before the survey. Of the respondents who were not caring for older family members, only 6.3% stated having mental health concerns. The study also indicated that 30% of individuals surveyed who were unpaid caregivers had fleeting suicidal ideations. That was ten times more than people who were not caregivers.
It is essential to take care of our emotional and mental health as much as our physical health. As a caregiver, taking care of yourself is a priority. These are some things that can be done to alleviate the stress and decrease feelings of depression or hopelessness:
Develop a support system of family, friends, and community resources.
Make time for yourself.
Start a hobby.
Get regular medical check-ups.
Ensure that you are eating properly and getting enough rest.
Seek a mental health therapist.
Mental health is a serious concern in our society. Speaking about suicide or suicidal ideations is not an easy topic. If you notice that someone is isolating, giving away prized possessions, or making comments such as, “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up” or “when I’m not here, things will be better,” ask them if they are thinking about ending their life. I know it is a difficult question, but it is worth asking. One resource is the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Please keep this number. Someone you know may need it one day.
5 Reasons to Become a Dream Maker
By: TELETONUSA /
Getting involved with the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) can look different for everyone. Still, becoming a Dream Maker is one of the best ways to support CRIT. The TeletonUSA Dream Maker program helps connect generous monthly donors with a cause that changes the lives of children with disabilities all over the U.S.
CRIT is a meaningful organization to support; we help children with neurological, muscular, and skeletal disabilities tackle life’s challenges through renowned, personalized rehabilitation programs. Serving a wide range of disabilities is what we’re known for, and giving our Dream Makers the chance to impact the future of so many children brings us incredible joy. If you’re still on the fence about becoming a Dream Maker, here are five reasons you should join and make a monthly donation:
1. You’ll have an impact on children from all over the U.S.
Though we are based in San Antonio, Texas, our patients come to us from across the country. Our resources, trained staff, and healthcare providers are unmatched, providing the best care to children with special needs. CRIT has served 4,267 patients since its inception in 2014, and we’re just getting started.
2. You are joining a team fighting for inclusion
Supporting a nonprofit organization with monthly donations is a noble feat, and you deserve to know what your money will do. With CRIT, you can donate with confidence, knowing that your money will support an organization that works to create a more inclusive world for children with disabilities and their families. Every day, we tackle obstacles head-on with creativity and drive as we strive to give our patients the best chance of success throughout their lives. This work takes scrappy, dedicated individuals, and we can confidently confirm that those are the types CRIT is filled with.
3. Help support CRIT all-year long
The TeletonUSA Dream Maker program provides CRIT with regular donations monthly. These donations bring stability throughout the year, helping us better navigate the ebb and flow of our donation cycles. As a Dream Maker, you will receive bi-weekly e-mail updates on our patient’s rehabilitation journeys and news detailing how our organization uses your contributions.
4. Allow CRIT and our children to dream bigger
We are an organization rooted in big dreams; we encourage our patients to dream big, reminding them that their life can be whatever they want it to be, and we’re here to help them reach their goals. Dream Makers enable CRIT and our children to stay ambitious with our dreams. As an organization, these donations enable our growth, allowing us to operate our center and shorten our waitlist, reaching even more patients and, ultimately, changing even more lives.
5. Joining is as easy as can be
Children with disabilities are counting on you. With the right tools and support, their futures are as bright as possible, and with monthly donations from Dream Makers, CRIT can support even more families. Becoming a Dream Maker is easy; it just takes a few clicks on our website. Welcome to the unbeatable feeling of making dreams come true; there’s nothing better.
Let’s change the world. Become a Dream Maker here.
