About Us
Thank you for joining us and welcome to the Caysen Riley Algario Foundation website. This foundation was lovingly formed in memory of Caysen Riley Algario who passed away at the tender age of 12 exactly 12 days before Christmas on December 13, 2017.
Caysen was born at 25 weeks gestation and was the second born amongst his triplet brothers. Caysen and his brothers spent four and half months in the NICU battling countless illness and enduring numerous medical procedures. Caysen almost lost his life in the NICU three times battling a hemorrhage in his lungs, a stroke on both sides of his brain, and an infection in his blood. These battles left Caysen to live his life with a diagnosis of profound deafness and quadriplegic cerebral palsy. These battles also left Caysen very medically fragile and requiring constant medical attention, equipment, and assistance.
At the age of two, Caysen received a cochlear implant on one side to enhance his quality of life and give him access to sound. Throughout his life he was unable to walk, talk, sit up unassisted, roll over, or move his body without assistance.
Despite his limitation and medically fragile condition, Caysen took his very first family trip at the age of one. His mother remembers enjoying watching his face light up as he was able to see and experience new things outside of his home. It was during that trip that his mother realized what she needed to do for him. Because Caysen was unable to reach out and touch and interact with the world around him, she knew she needed to bring the world to him.
Caysen had the pleasure of visiting 46 of the 50 states. He experienced Disney Cruises and Traveled outside of the United States to Vancouver, Victoria, and Ontario, Canada. He traveled to Ireland, England, France, and Italy. His parents also took him ziplining, hiking, and camping.
Caysen’s mother faced many challenges, obstacles, and difficulties traveling with Caysen’s medical equipment and his multiple medical needs. Moreover, Caysen is not the only triplet that had physical disabilities and used a wheelchair. His mother dedicated her life to bringing the world to Caysen and his brothers, building memories as a family, and having one less regret to carry in her heart.
In honor of Caysen’s memory, this foundation was created to inspire parents and communities to help other physically disabled children live the same active and inclusive lifestyle that Caysen enjoyed. It is our hope that as our organization grows and develops, we will become an invaluable resource to many.
Our goal is to acquire equipment for families to rent, provide travel tips, and become crusaders for change by demonstrating that anyone can make the seemingly impossible become a reality. It is our belief that all children, regardless of their limitations, deserve to live a life without boundaries and limits.
Our Mission
The mission of the Caysen Riley Algario Foundation is to help families of physically disabled children live an active and inclusive lifestyle.
Our Foundation
In honor of Caysen’s memory, this foundation was created to inspire parents and communities to help other physically disabled children live the same active and inclusive lifestyle that Caysen enjoyed. It is our hope that as our organization grows and develops, we will become an invaluable resource to many.
Our Board of Directors
Deborah Algario, President/Founder
Deborah had been an educator for over 20 years. She has a multiple subject and special education credential. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher and holds certification in the areas of Assisstive Technology and Applied Behavior Analysis. Presently, she is pursuing her doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education. She is scheduled to graduate in early 2019. Her favorite outdoor activities include running, hiking, and camping. She loves to travel domestically and abroad with her family. Deborah is eager to help other families experience the same active lifestyle that Caysen experienced. She continues to share this lifestyle with Caysen’s surviving triplet brothers one of whom also has physical disabilities
Claire Roush, Vise President/Co-Founder
Claire Roush has been an educator for 25 years, focusing on students with special needs and their social and educational inclusion in school settings. Claire is also an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys many activities around town, at the beach and in the mountains. She loves to travel with her family by RV, card and plan and is excited to help all families make this a reality too.
Laura Martinez, Secretary/Assisstive Tech
Laura Simmons-Martinez is the Assistive Technology Program Manager at TASK. She has over 20 years’ experience working with children and adults with special needs. One of her great passions is matching people with assistive technology that will help them lead independent and productive lives. She is excited to be a part of the Caysen Riley Algario Foundation and is looking forward to helping children and their families experience the world without boundaries.
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