Центр Кенни Роджерса в Сикестоне приобрел роботизированный экзоскелет для лечения парализованных пациентов

Sikeston’s Kenny Rogers Center secures more than $130K to keep life-changing robotic exoskeleton SIKESTON, Mo. (Heartland News) - A high-tech robotic suit that helps paralyzed patients stand and walk is officially staying in Sikeston. After months of having the life-changing exoskeleton on loan, the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center has successfully raised more than $130,000 to make the equipment a permanent part of its therapy program. “We were able to raise the funds to buy the exoskeleton and we had a little bit of help from a statewide or a nationwide lender that helped us get there,” said Executive Director Michelle Fayette. The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines helped push the fundraising efforts over the top by offering a three-to-one match on donations made by local financial institutions. Two Heartland bank, First State Bank and Trust Company, and Southern Bank chose the Kenny Rogers Center as their local charity. “We had two local banks that chose the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center as their local charity,” Fayette said. “And so with their matching grant, we actually got a $50,000 bump toward our piece of equipment that we were working toward.” Members of the FHLB traveled from Iowa to Sikeston to tour the facility and present the check. FHLB Vice President Phil Everitt said they are glad to help out organizations that mean the most to communities. “We made donations to 722 different nonprofits throughout the state of Missouri. So it’s one of the most meaningful programs we’ve ever had,” Everitt said. “They picked this organization Kenny Rogers Children’s because they knew it was doing a great job. So this is just a small part to help that continue to provide help to the individuals that are here.” Fayette credited the entire region for stepping up to make the permanent acquisition possible. “I really feel like the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center is a very beloved charity right here in Southeast Missouri,” Fayette said. “And because of that and support from local banks and the FHLB, we were able to meet that goal.” Leaders with First State Bank and Trust Company said they are happy to help. Thanks to the generosity of the community, local banks, and the FHLB, the exoskeleton will continue to help paralyzed patients take steps for years to come. For more information about the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, including how to donate, visit the center’s website. Copyright 2026 Heartland News. All rights reserved.