May 2008

Oklahaven tells story of chiropractic and kids

Chiropractors don't normally try to make their patients cry, but it's hard to watch the new Oklahaven video without a tear or two. The moving story of one child's chiropractic journey to health is so uplifting and poignant that few people can watch it without being touched emotionally by the experience.

In the 11-minute DVD, Paula Barnes tells the remarkable story of her son, Robert, who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of two and, at age five, was facing the possibility of chemotherapy. For years, Paula had watched Robert grow weaker and weaker, unable to experience the joy of being a normal boy. Often sick and always frightened, Robert had little to look forward to in life other than years of drugs and medical treatment.

There had to be a better way, Barnes knew. With that unique kind of strength and courage exhibited by mothers who are fighting for the lives of their children, Barnes went on a crusade to create a better future for Robert. That crusade ultimately led her to Oklahaven and chiropractic.

The changes experienced by Robert while under chiropractic care are documented on this video: his transformation from a sickly and weak boy who could barely walk straight to a tall, healthy and proud young man marching in Oklahoma's All*Star Centennial Band and giving piano concerts. It's no wonder people often shed a tear -- a tear of happiness and hope -- after viewing it.

Barnes is now the president of the Parent Support Group and works at Oklahaven to help parents make choices and search for answers about their own children.

The video has two other common effects on viewers as well. One is that many choose to learn more about, and donate to, Oklahaven so that all children may continue to have access to chiropractic care and experience the life transformation the way Robert did.

The second effect is that many decide to bring their own children in for chiropractic care. They are shown a persuasive and moving argument for proper spinal corrections as a regular part of childhood health care. That's why so many doctors play the video for patients in their waiting rooms, or at special open house events. The more people who see it, the more children will be able to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care.

Oklahaven was founded in 1962, in response to the needs of chronically ill children, many of whom were paralyzed with polio, in braces and wheelchair‑bound. The founders chose to provide chiropractic care through a non‑profit organization. They relied on those in the private sector who shared their vision of natural, drug‑free health care and other colleagues to donate their services. Oklahaven has continued to operate through private donations without federal, state or United Way funding for 45 years.

In 1979, Bobby Doscher, DC, a graduate of Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa, became the chief executive officer assuming the Center's daily operations.

Many of the children who come to Oklahaven have been given up on by the medical profession, or are enduring an unending cycle of drugs and surgery. At the Center, the children receive regular adjustments and their parents are taught the importance of nutrition and healthy living.

Babies hold their heads up for the first time, sleep through the night, stop experiencing seizures, and eat without pain. Children feed themselves, learn to move independently, speak clearly without a stutter, run and play like normal children -- without the debilitating effects of asthma or chronic ear infections.

Under Dr. Doscher's direction, the Center not only provides chiropractic care to children, but focuses on telling the children's chiropractic story. This is accomplished by fundraising, working with the community, writing journal stories and lecturing on natural health care.

The Oklahaven DVD can be purchased online at www.chiropractic4kids.com and is available in quantities for distribution to the public. Proceeds help fund Oklahaven's efforts to bring chiropractic care to children in need, and to educate all parents about the benefits of chiropractic for children.