 It begins with a precious little boy, his name is Rylyn. He was born with Dandy Walker Syndrome which involves a brain malformation among other things and had many complications and problems in his short life. Because one side of his body worked better than the other, his little spine grew very crooked (scoliosis), having a 90 degree curve. After bringing Rylyn for prayer at their church, Nancy Brown, an occupational therapy assistant, asked Steve Dawson, a physical therapist to evaluate Rylyn's situation. Their hope was to try to avoid a dangerous and extensive corrective spinal surgery.
In spite of some reservations, Steve agreed – God was definitely directing him! Nancy and Steve had already been seeing a stroke patient (Willie) after hours at the hospital where they worked. They ended up working with Willie and Rylyn and then others, first at the rehab hospital, then at Willie's business after hours, then a church, then another church building (after a flood), and then at a donated office area in a strip mall. The center kept growing in terms of people coming for therapy. Community members and groups kept donating items, supplies, and services to help out. It was amazing to witness.
Rylyn would stand and walk twice, both times at the center, and once holding his mom’s hand with tears running down her cheeks and cheers from the others present. Rylyn’s curve was reduced, but the physicians felt it would be best to still do the surgery. In December 2000, Rylyn had the surgery. It was a success, but due to complications afterwards, he passed away that night, one week before his 9th birthday. Over 500 people attended his funeral; it’s amazing how a little boy not even nine years old could make such a difference in the lives of so many. He lives in heaven now, but his spirit founded and fuels the center.
The Rylyn Meacham Center became an official 501C3 non-profit organization in 2001 and has seen nearly 400 individuals since inception. Several other area professionals and volunteers have graciously dedicated their time and hearts to help over the years.
The center provides TOTALLY FREE direct therapy services three evenings each week to individuals of all ages who have had an illness or injury but have either exhausted insurance benefits or have no funds to cover the costs of treatment. It provides an environment where people can celebrate their spirit of determination to work at overcoming obstacles. It also provides a safe haven as a support group for family members as they cope with the changes in their lives because of a loved one’s situation.
The center has realized other visions of being a resource pool of patients for educational courses and research endeavors, of housing/hosting educational seminars for the professional community, and of being a forum for growth and advancement of therapy students and local practitioners. The center affiliates with three therapy schools in the state of Oklahoma.
The center is volunteer-based and never charges for services, relying solely on donations and fundraisers to support operations. Every year in June, the Rylyn Meacham Center holds the Annual Rylyn Meacham Memorial Golf Tournament! Without tireless individual efforts and community support, and God’s undying grace, the center could not have survived and prospered!
With a community coming together doing God’s will, anything and everything is possible!
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