Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Goldman.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My son, Skylar, was born with serious life-threatening complications from a birth injury. He was not born alive and sustained significant brain damage. My husband, Ryan, was airlifted to Children’s Hospital LA with Skylar in an attempt to save his life. We spent 50 days in the CHLA NICCU where he underwent life-saving several surgeries and experimental procedures. After almost two months he was discharged with a diagnosis with HIE, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and feeds via a g-tube in his stomach. As soon as we got home, Skylar started receiving a wide range of therapies. Our two months old disabled infant started his therapy journey. Sky has participated in seven therapies per week for the last 5.5 years. Many doctors and nurses didn’t believe Skylar would survive. Most of his medical team didn’t think Skylar would grow, develop and thrive. His neurologists cautioned us that he may never walk. Skylar has proved them all wrong! He will never be a typical child because of his disability but he loves to play just like every other kid.
Most playgrounds are not designed for special needs kiddos. My husband and I decided we needed a better play space in our community Agoura Hills. We re-designed our local playground to be fully inclusive with the help of a playground designer. We partnered with the Rotary Club of Westlake Village to obtain non-profit status and negotiated a contract with the city of Agoura Hills. The city approved our project and we began fundraising to build our all-abilities playground at Morrison Park. The Morrison Park Playground project was born! We have raised almost $90,000 in the past six months, well on our way to the $500,000 goal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life was very challenging when our son was born. Raising a medically fragile disabled child can be extremely difficult and overwhelming for the whole family. Every aspect of life changed. I was forced to resign from my job and became a full-time medical mama. We spent at least 2 days a week in a doctor’s office for the first 18 months. I was in charge of his full-time therapy schedule to make sure he was receiving the resources he required. He had several medical scares and close calls but we always pushed forward.
There were also many obstacles in order to get the inclusive playground design approved as well. We went thru about a dozen design revisions to make sure we had the right colors, equipment and accessibility for an all-abilities play space. Negotiating with the city of Agoura Hills was no easy task either. Once we received approvals from Rotary Club and the city we encountered fundraising dilemmas. Fundraising $500,000 for the playground has become a 2nd full-time job. My husband, Ryan, spends a couple of hours every night after he gets home from work to manage the fundraising campaign. It’s a difficult balancing act but definitely worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I married into a family business when I met my husband. Our family owns and operates seasonal and year-round Halloween stores in Southern California. Phantom Halloween is open all year in Northridge and San Bernardino, CA. We specialize in costumes for every occasion, masks, makeup, wigs, props, lingerie and so much more. Every day is Halloween in our family! Our stores have raised almost $100,000 in the past five years that goes directly to the NICCU floor at Children’s Hospital LA. We believe that CHLA saved Skylar’s life, that’s the reason why we continue to give back.
Rotary Club Westlake Village is our organizational partner. They have been incredible to work with. The President of the club, Mike Dutra, welcomed our project with open arms. He works tirelessly to help dozens of local non-profits and organizations. He embodies the true Rotary spirit- service above self. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in our playground journey.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking calculated risks is a part of life. Starting the Morrison Park Playground project came with a ton of risks, especially the risk of failure. My husband, Ryan, has committed to this project so failure is not an option. Even with his determined mindset, the risk and fear of failure can welcome insecurities. Can we really raise $500,000 for this special inclusive playground? How long will it take to raise the money? We’ve encountered many people who thought our idea was crazy or too grand for us to accomplish. Without risk, there is no reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morrisonparkplayground.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/morrisonparkplayground
- Facebook: facebook.com/morrisonparkplayground
Image Credits
The last picture of the three of us on the trail was taken by Crystal Quayle. Instagram @cquaylephotography
