When you have a child born with a craniofacial difference, there are so many questions and feelings that you are faced with. CCA provided me with not only information but a sense of family and community. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of CCA and have chosen to support this organization as much as I can. My appreciation runs very deep. My family has grown close and developed strong relationships with other families who have had similar experiences that we would not have known if it weren’t for CCA. Thank you, CCA for all you do for so many!
-Angela Wojtyniak, CCA Mother
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L-R Brent, Colton, Brooklyn, Angela |
We are very grateful to have Brooklyn and her mom and dad, Angela and Brent, as part of our CCA family. In the short time that they have been members of our community, they have had a tremendous impact. In 2012, months after the birth of their first child, Brooklyn, Angela and Brent sought us out on Facebook, while researching everything they could about Crouzon syndrome. The family benefitted from all of our virtual and in person love from the very beginning, all the while giving back where they could to the community that gave them so much. Then in the Fall 2018, the Wojtyniak's hosted the first Spreading the Love for CCA...it's the Brooklyn Way Golf Tournament in Livonia, Michigan. The fundraiser brought in over $17,000 for our kids. Then in 2019, the Wojtyniaks blew us all away with a second round of their golf tournament. This time it raised more than $20,000! More importantly the entire Livonia, Michigan community embraced the family's efforts. Local businesses and stores contributed gift baskets for raffle items or sponsored one of the 18 holes on the golf course. Regional CCA families came together for the day, too, strengthening connections, building bonds of acceptance, and leaving with the reassurance that they were not alone.
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The Wojtyniak Family |
Proud of her community, Angela says, “It was important to us to raise our children in the community we were raised, with our families close by.” Brent and Angela were born and raised in the Metro Detroit area. Brent earned his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Turf Management. He is the operating manager for Green Arbor Supply, which is a fertilizer company. Angela has a degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University as well as her Masters in Counseling from Oakland University. Angela has worked for the Livonia Public Schools for 13 years. During the last nine years, she served as school counselor at Stevenson High School, a role she very much enjoys. Their daughter, Brooklyn is seven and attends first grade at Buchanan Elementary School. Brooklyn was born with Crouzon syndrome and hydrocephalus. She’s had over 20 surgeries. Angela affirms that "none of them have slowed her down. She is full of energy, absolutely hilarious and brightens every room she steps into. She recently started tap dance classes and loves it!" Brooklyn's brother, Colton, is the family's "little Bubba man." Mom says, "He has more energy than all of us. Coltie completed our family and is an absolute joy. He loves all things automotive, including trucks, cars, ambulances, and diggers. You name it, he is captivated by it." Despite living in chilly Michigan, the whole family enjoys the summer best when they have the opportunity to take daily swims in their pool.
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Sassy Brooklyn! |
Wojtyniak family, thank you for being part of our fold. We look forward to all the joy your family brings to ours in the years to come. Keep raising awareness and love for CCA in the ways that you know best.
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Sweet Brooklyn! |