I want to share with you that being a TeletonUSA Dream Maker has been a profoundly enriching experience in my career. Every step on this journey has left indelible marks on my heart. For this reason, I invite you to be part of our great community.
The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) is a magical place where dreams come true, and multiple opportunities open up for countless families. With your support, we can provide hope to many children needing care to develop their full potential.
Becoming a monthly donor of TeletonUSA goes beyond a financial contribution; it is a commitment of love and solidarity that transforms lives in an enduring way. By joining us, you will experience deep satisfaction, knowing that you will open the doors to a more inclusive future for many families.
I want to share with you with great enthusiasm that the impact of CRIT is not limited only to children with disabilities but also reaches their families. I assure you that this experience will be deeply gratifying for your heart. Every patient and family who receives support will witness your generosity. I invite you to take the step and become part of our loving TeletonUSA family.
With love,
Galilea Montijo
TeletonUSA Dream Maker
Save the Date: 2023 TeletonUSA Event
By: TELETONUSA /
For the past 11 years, we have demonstrated our commitment, our strength, and greatness every year. The TeletonUSA Foundation is the result of the unity and solidarity of our community. Therefore, this year, our motto is: “Contigo todo es posible” (With you, everything is possible!). A message dedicated to thousands of generous hearts in the United States. When we say “with you,” we mean every person who aspires daily to make a difference not only in their lives, but also in the lives of others.
On December 16th, let’s celebrate the thousands of dreams we have made possible. Join the celebration at the 2023 TeletonUSA Event and experience with us the outstanding achievements of the patients at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT). Don’t miss out on special guests, musical performances, special editions of your favorite programs, as well as testimonials from our patients and their families.
Don’t miss this day of generosity. Join us on Saturday, December 16th, on Univision, Galavisión, and ViX starting at 10 AM / 9 C / 7 PT. Contigo todo es posible.
Meet María, Our Star of the Month!
By: TELETONUSA /
María arrived at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) in 2021. When she started therapies, she was unable to sit or stand on her own and would sit in her wheelchair for most hours of the day. After years of hard work and dedication, María can now sit independently and stand for extended periods with less help. She can even use an assistive device and participate in Lokomat training to strengthen her muscles and develop appropriate posture.
While María’s progress is remarkable, her path to rehabilitation is far from over. Through the kindness and generosity of people like you, María and many children find the strength to conquer obstacles that once seemed impossible.
Make a difference today. Your contribution of only 83¢ a day will provide hope, care, and a brighter future for children like María.
The Benefits of Standing
By: TELETONUSA /
Whether on your own or with a device, there are many different ways to stand. You can stand holding on to a surface, stand at an incline, or stand while exploring in a dynamic stander. But have you ever wondered why standing is so important?
What are the benefits of standing?
Standing increases bone density, resulting in a reduced risk of osteoporosis or fractures, weight bearing for improved development of hip joints, and reduced risk of hip displacement/dislocation. It also provides a prolonged stretch in good alignment, which decreases the risk of leg contractures.
Appropriate standing promotes tone management, improves circulation and respiration, and regulates digestion and bowel/bladder function. It also enhances skin integrity by relieving pressure points caused by long periods of sitting and increases participation with age-appropriate play and eye-to-eye contact.
How should my child be positioned when standing?
For appropriate standing, position your child’s feet shoulder width apart and point forward with their weight evenly distributed between both feet—a slight bend in your child’s knees to reduce stresses placed on the knee joint. Let your child’s arms hang naturally down at the sides of their body. When looking from the side, your child’s ear lobes should align with their shoulder. When looking from the front or the back, your child should be straight with their trunk over their hips and their hips over their legs.
What are the benefits of proper alignment?
Proper alignment promotes the appropriate use of your body’s muscles, reducing compensations and risk of injury. It also encourages muscle efficiency, less energy use, and decreased muscle fatigue, and limits stresses placed on your bones, ligaments, and joints, reducing the risk of injury.
Check with your doctor or physical therapist on the specific frequency of standing for your child. If your child uses a standing device to assist with proper alignment, contact your vendor to adjust as your child grows.
From Your CRIT Counselor: Gratitude and Attitude
By: TELETONUSA /
“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert Rathe.
I have an image I found online that I often use where two men ride on a bus and are seated on different sides. One man looks sad and is looking at the side that faces a mountain. It seems dark and dreary, very depressing. The other man is smiling, he seems hopeful. What he sees is the bright, cheery sun and a beautiful landscape. Each man physically displays what he is seeing. I often think how easy it would be for the man looking at the dreary mountainside to turn his face towards the sunny and bright side of the scenery. The other man could just as quickly focus on the gloomy mountain instead of the glorious view.
These men are on the same journey, but each has chosen what to look at and allowed their perception to affect their mood. How we view and respond to a situation also makes a difference. Our attitude affects our response and our mood.
As we journey through our lives, let us be mindful and live with gratitude and an attitude of joy, reflection, and hope. Our path will face difficulties and challenges, but our philosophy will help us overcome those challenges more productively. We can learn from those challenges or be defeated by them. What side of the view will you focus on as you journey through life?
Fashion for a Cause at CRIT’s Annual Fashion Show
By: TELETONUSA /
On Thursday, November 9th, CRIT hosted its 6th annual Fashion Show at the Norris Center in San Antonio, Texas. Organized by Gilda Canavati, the fundraiser showcased fashions by Elizabeth’s Boutique and featured CRIT patients as models, showcasing their personalities and newfound independence while being part of an inclusive lineup. The event featured a raffle and welcomed vendors with clothing, jewelry, and beauty products available for purchase.
Special thanks to Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, IBC Bank, Frost, and Mineragua for sponsoring our event, Gilda Canavati, Ana Carcur, Gilda’s Friends, Elizabeth’s Boutique, Milan Institute of Cosmetology, DJ Jesse Lechuga, and the models for making this year’s fashion show a huge success. All proceeds from this event benefit children and their families receiving rehabilitation services at CRIT.
As we reflect on the success of this event, we invite you to learn more about CRIT’s impactful work and consider supporting our cause. Visit critusa.org to explore how you can make a difference in the lives of children and families receiving rehabilitation services. Thank you for joining us in this style, compassion, and community celebration.
Meet Chris, Our Star of the Month!
By: TELETONUSA /
Shortly after birth, Chris was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that challenges his mobility, balance, and posture. When he arrived at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) in 2020, Chris’ gained a lot of progress in his communication skills and ability to speak up for himself and make choices independently. He uses his fine and gross motor skills in therapeutic recreation when competing against his therapists in cornhole, balloon volleyball, and bowling. Chris’ bubbly and optimistic personality allows him to succeed in therapy.
While Chris’ progress is remarkable, his path to rehabilitation is far from over. Through the kindness and generosity of people like you, Chris and many children find the strength to conquer obstacles that once seemed impossible.
Make a difference today. Your contribution of only 83¢ a day will provide hope, care, and a brighter future for children like Chris.
How Rehabilitation Supports Cerebral Palsy
By: TELETONUSA /
Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that challenge mobility, balance, and posture because it affects the part of the brain responsible for directing muscle movement. It can arise for two reasons:
When a baby’s cerebral motor cortex does not develop properly during pregnancy. For example, due to some genetic factor or health complication of the mother.
When there is any head trauma before, during, or after birth.
Both the brain damage and disability that cerebral palsy can cause are permanent. However, comprehensive care dramatically improves the quality of life of the person with cerebral palsy, supporting their well-being, self-esteem, and independence.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
The signs to identify cerebral palsy tend to be variable. They can appear in the first months of life or until after two years of age. Babies with cerebral palsy often have more significant developmental challenges when learning to roll over, sit, crawl, walk, or flex their limbs.
The diagnosis of cerebral palsy requires constant developmental monitoring. However, proper diagnosis needs tests by health specialists. As for treatment, it may include medications, surgery, use of mobility aids, and rehabilitation. It is essential to mention that it differs for each person, and their needs define each patient’s prescriptions.
Although genetic issues that cause cerebral palsy cannot be modified, it is possible to prevent certain risk factors. Some measures that can contribute are:
Being vaccinated to prevent infections during pregnancy.
Medical control of diseases and health challenges before and during pregnancy.
Using car seats for babies and small children to avoid head injuries.
How many types of cerebral palsy are there?
There are four types of cerebral palsy, each needing different support and rehabilitation measures. These are:
Spastic cerebral palsy: It is the most common. It can cause increased muscle tone, difficulty in movement, and stiffness.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Causes challenges controlling the arms, legs, trunk, and face movement.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: Causes challenges in balance and coordination.
Mixed cerebral palsy: It means you have a mixture of symptoms of the previous types.
Find Care at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA
The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering comprehensive rehabilitation services for children with neurological, muscular, and skeletal disabilities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child develop physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.
From Your CRIT Counselor: Awareness is the Key
By: TELETONUSA /
Depression and anxiety are common types of mood disorders. In many cases, people face both simultaneously.
It is normal to have days when we feel sad, unmotivated, or hopeless. When we have a terrible day, we get up the next day and keep moving forward. The problem comes when those emotions affect our daily lives. We should be concerned when we no longer care about our hygiene, and we frequently call in to work because we do not feel well or activities that we used to enjoy no longer bring us happiness or comfort.
Awareness of ourselves is key. Take time to recognize when you begin to feel symptoms of anxiety or depression. How is your body reacting? Is your heart beating faster? Do you get a headache or stomach ache? Maybe your palms become sweaty, or you have chest pains. Is your constant worrying causing you to lose sleep, decrease/increase your appetite, or become easily irritated? All of these are possible symptoms.
In a society where we constantly feel pressured to do more, be more, and have more, we may sometimes feel overwhelmed. Take time for yourself – time for medical check-ups, time with family and friends, time with nature, time for hobbies and activities you enjoy. If needed, talk to your doctor or seek professional therapy. Knowing we are not okay is the key to reestablishing emotional and mental well-being.
