Coasterfrk
New member
To give you some backround on both my reef and personal life. I has a small reef tank several years ago that I had to break down due to our then current living situation. I also have experience with several fish only systems. I have hoped since tearing down my previous system to start a new one not knowing if I'd ever have the chance.
Moving on to personal life... A little more than a year and a half ago my wife and I found out we would be having our second child. We had some standard genetic testing done and some of the results where concerning, further studies, tests, and scans revealed that our son would be born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta....More commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease. He was born on December 4th of last year and spent the majority of his first month and a half in the NICU. We went through some scary times not knowing if he would make it or not. He is now stable. But is diagnosed as having severe type 3 OI which is pretty up there in severity of non lethal OI. OI is a form of dwarfism and Gavin will always be small, frail, and have limited mobility. He is likely to use a wheelchair for the majority of transport. Thankfully he should live a productive full life.
As we begin the journey of giving him everything he needs to meet his full potential, we began a project of sorts and that was to finish our basement to give us a family space where Gavin can do physical therapy. We are working with various companies who are donating materials to help this space become a reality. In planning my vision for this space, I kept thinking "what would make this area special " and it took me awhile to realize "hey, how about a reef tank" to me. It seemed perfect. He would not only have a beautiful changing thing to view and enjoy, but it would be educational, and just a great topic to learn and explore from the comfort of home. Especially considering his limited mobility.
This is where I want to involve this wonderful community that has taught me so much. We are hoping this community can help us put together this vision for Gavin. I know it will be difficult to do and I don't expect to get everything from donation, but am hoping we can get help to put this together to make this space extra special for Gavin. I currently have some feelers out to a couple equipment supplies in hopes that they might be able to help.
So tell me what you guys think (please be positive) and let me know if you have any suggestions or possible places to get help. Thanks.

Moving on to personal life... A little more than a year and a half ago my wife and I found out we would be having our second child. We had some standard genetic testing done and some of the results where concerning, further studies, tests, and scans revealed that our son would be born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta....More commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease. He was born on December 4th of last year and spent the majority of his first month and a half in the NICU. We went through some scary times not knowing if he would make it or not. He is now stable. But is diagnosed as having severe type 3 OI which is pretty up there in severity of non lethal OI. OI is a form of dwarfism and Gavin will always be small, frail, and have limited mobility. He is likely to use a wheelchair for the majority of transport. Thankfully he should live a productive full life.
As we begin the journey of giving him everything he needs to meet his full potential, we began a project of sorts and that was to finish our basement to give us a family space where Gavin can do physical therapy. We are working with various companies who are donating materials to help this space become a reality. In planning my vision for this space, I kept thinking "what would make this area special " and it took me awhile to realize "hey, how about a reef tank" to me. It seemed perfect. He would not only have a beautiful changing thing to view and enjoy, but it would be educational, and just a great topic to learn and explore from the comfort of home. Especially considering his limited mobility.
This is where I want to involve this wonderful community that has taught me so much. We are hoping this community can help us put together this vision for Gavin. I know it will be difficult to do and I don't expect to get everything from donation, but am hoping we can get help to put this together to make this space extra special for Gavin. I currently have some feelers out to a couple equipment supplies in hopes that they might be able to help.
So tell me what you guys think (please be positive) and let me know if you have any suggestions or possible places to get help. Thanks.
