For generations, LifeScape has been here when families need help for a child with disabilities or rehabilitation needs. Tanner Yanzick is one of those kids.
Tanner was born with spina bifida and was later diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, a chromosome disorder that affects multiple organs and body systems. Now 14, Tanner has seen more specialists and had more surgeries than his parents, Monica and Paul, can count. They have always made it work to keep Tanner thriving, though, and older brother Jayden grew up learning to help, as well.
You can help, too, with a year-end gift to LifeScape. Your gift will be matched by First National Bank of Sioux Falls, doubling your impact in the lives of children and adults with disabilities!
When Tanner was 12, a new challenge emerged when his kneecap dislocated. Soon, both knees began repeatedly dislocating, and he began wearing knee braces to stabilize them. Even so, his knees would sometimes still pop out.
There was a possible solution through surgery, and Paul and Monica decided to take the chance. In January 2025, two surgeons at Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, MN, spent nearly seven hours reconstructing his legs, adding rods to his femurs and moving his kneecaps.
His post-surgical homecare was tremendously challenging, given his pain level and the complex care he needed for other conditions. Plus, he got influenza A and infections of his urinary tract and colon.
It was a relief when the leg casts were removed, and Tanner was admitted to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program at LifeScape’s Children’s Specialty Hospital. Paul says he hoped Tanner would be able to stand after the surgery. He was shocked that Lifescape had him not only standing but walking on the first day!
We hope you’ll help provide outcomes like this with a year-end gift. If you join our Sustainer Club with a gift of at least $15 a month, that gift will ALSO double, all year long!
The timing proved to be crucial, as Monica contracted the flu, double pneumonia and sepsis. For three weeks she was hospitalized, including ten days in intensive care with a breathing tube. “I don’t know what would have happened if Tanner wasn’t at LifeScape at that point,” says Paul. Being there felt like a Godsend.
After two weeks of intensive rehabilitation, Tanner was discharged and began outpatient physical therapy at LifeScape Rehabilitation Center. He’s walking well, and working to improve his gait, stride, and balance.
“It has been phenomenal,” says Monica. “We are so grateful for where he’s at today, and for all the staff.”
LifeScape’s rehabilitation expertise has brought hope to countless families like Tanner’s. You can help future kids get amazing outcomes, too, with a gift by the end of this year, which will be doubled by First National Bank of Sioux Falls.
With the leg surgery successful and excellent rehab care at LifeScape, Tanner is back to playing with Hot Wheels and other things he loves. “The people we’ve worked with here genuinely care” says Paul. “With their expertise, he’s excelled.”
