Recently, we took a meaningful step toward a brighter future by donating Zayden's remaining medical equipment and supplies to a committed volunteer who assists families with special needs. This experience has stirred a complex mix of emotions—sadness, relief, gratitude, anger, and an unwavering resolve to drive change.
Zayden passed away on December 10, 2025. In the aftermath of this profound loss, we began the process of finding new homes for vital items such as Zayden's wheelchair, stander, medical stroller, medical crib, and various medical supplies. Despite reaching out to therapy clinics, special needs organizations, and service providers, we faced numerous rejections, primarily due to liability concerns. This is unacceptable. We must explore ways to implement checks and balances that can address these liability issues, enabling the redistribution of gently used or unused equipment to families in desperate need.
Every durable medical equipment (DME) company employs staff who deliver and set up equipment for individuals. This begs the question: why can't these companies partner with families during their time of grief to assist in transferring equipment to new recipients? The same principle applies to medical supplies. While restrictions on redistributing opened medical supplies make sense, items still in their original packaging should be treated differently. For instance, sealed tracheostomy kits, individually packaged gauze, trach replacement kits, and various feeding supplies could still be used. It is disheartening that programs like WIC are required to destroy any remaining formula upon return. This highlights a troubling level of waste that needs to be addressed. While recycling programs exist for cans, plastics, and metals, we lack similar initiatives for medical supplies and adaptive equipment. Establishing dedicated programs or coordinators is essential not only to reduce waste but also to support grieving families in navigating one of the most difficult aspects of losing a loved one with special needs.
Having Zayden's special adaptive equipment and medical supplies stored in our home has made daily life challenging. Each time I enter a room that contained his equipment, the emotional impact feels like a physical blow, prompting me to avoid those spaces. The repeated rejections in my efforts to donate Zayden's items almost led me to consider trashing them at the local landfill.
The mere thought of that choice filled me with overwhelming guilt, driving my month-long search for someone willing to accept these donations and deliver them to others in dire need. Insurance companies often restrict necessary supplies while approving excess unneeded items, making this donation even more critical. The gentleman who accepted these items has helped me remove the constant reminders of Zayden’s absence, allowing our family to begin the healing process. Although it’s not an easy journey, I know those unexpected emotional hits will linger. Yet, donating Zayden's equipment and medical supplies to those in need is a vital step forward in our grieving process.
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