When Bailey and Caleb Cabrera returned to Stillwater to raise their son, Julian, they hoped to find a community where their family could grow. What they found was a network of people ready to help them navigate the unexpected challenges of Julian’s medical journey.
Born in July of 2024, Julian experienced seizure-like activity shortly after birth. After months of testing and working closely with a neurologist, the family received confirmation in December that Julian had cerebral palsy.
For the first-time parents, the diagnosis brought uncertainty. Cerebral palsy affects each individual differently, and Julian’s family was learning what that meant for his future.
“The scary thing is it is a wait-and-see,” Bailey said. “But with a good support system, you can have a good community, get a good sense of what outcomes are, extra therapies, just anything and everything that you can think of.”
That support has made a difference for the Cabrera family, particularly through Stillwater Medical’s partnership with the Healthy Steps program, Stillwater Pediatrics and Karman Korner.
Bailey said the family did not know about Karman Korner, a retail store operated by Stillwater Medical, until Healthy Steps connected them with the organization.
Through the application process, the family was able to receive assistance with obtaining braces for Julian. Karman Korner worked directly with the prosthetics company, coordinating the process and helping the family avoid additional paperwork and phone calls.
“They made that so easy for us, which was incredible because, I mean, he’s got so many appointments, so many things we’re taking him to,” Bailey said. “So, just that unexpected help to get something that has benefited him so, so greatly, was just amazing.”
The braces have helped improve Julian’s stability and stance as he continues working toward greater mobility. He participates in physical therapy about once a week, along with speech therapy.
“The braces have improved his stance. They have improved his stability,” Bailey said. “Also, his drive and motivation, I think, because his feet feel supported, he feels supported. So, he’s moving like he has never moved before.”
For the Cabrera family, the assistance has been about more than the equipment itself. It has been a reminder that they are not navigating Julian’s journey alone.
“It just felt like people wanted to help,” Caleb said.
Karman Korner plays an important role in making that assistance possible. The store accepts donated clothing, household items and other goods, which are processed and sold to generate funds for patients and families experiencing financial need.
Whitney Johnson, retail assistant for Karman Korner, said the store’s work begins with the generosity of community members.
“Our job here at Karman Korner is to take in, process and sell the donations that ultimately go to help so many patients and their families,” Johnson said.
The money generated through the store primarily benefits patients and families receiving care through Stillwater Medical at Home and Stillwater Cancer Center who can demonstrate financial need.
Through its support, Karman Korner helps ease financial burdens that can accompany medical care, allowing patients and families to focus more on their health and loved ones.
Johnson said the team is especially excited when they get to see the results of their work firsthand.
“We get excited when we get to see the outcome of one of our grants, because it reminds us that every donation, every volunteer hour and every purchase at the store helps make a difference in someone’s life,” Johnson said.
The Cabrera family’s experience is one example of how community generosity can make a meaningful difference.
Community members can support Karman Korner in several ways: volunteering their time, donating gently used clothing and household items, or shopping at the store.
For the Cabrera family, the support they received has reinforced why they chose to return to Stillwater.
“It feels like a real community, and it just solidifies why we chose to come back,” Bailey said.
As Julian continues to grow and make progress, his parents hope other families will know that resources and support are available when they need them.
Caleb encourages families to ask questions during medical appointments and learn about the resources available to them. Bailey also reminds community members to be kind and attentive to those around them.
“You don’t know what somebody’s going through, so just be watching and listening and be open to learning,” Bailey said.
Through Karman Korner, community donations become meaningful support for patients and families — demonstrating how a community can come together to make a difference, one family at a time.