Easterseals… Dreams Come True For Families
By Natalie Scott
When two-year-old Penny started receiving Easterseals Children’s Therapy services, she was unable to stand on her own or walk. Her parents, Alexandra and Scott, were worried she may never walk, but they put their trust in Easterseals and that made all the difference.
“Easterseals is all I believe in for the best services for my family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Alexandra says. “They treat us as if we are their only family. Easterseals wants kids to succeed while emotionally supporting families. They truly care and that speaks volumes.”
Penny, who was diagnosed with hypotonic Cerebral Palsy or low muscle tone, took her first steps at 22 months. It started with a few steps and now she is walking everywhere and able to play with her biggest supporters and older brothers, Jacob and Anderson. For the future she is working on kicking a ball, climbing stairs safely, and walking on uneven surfaces.
“I thought she’d never walk. I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Easterseals kept encouraging me. I can’t explain the joy we felt. Saying she’s an official walker is a dream come true,” Alexandra says. “Physical Therapy is worth its weight in gold. Penny squeals with excitement during therapy. They go above and beyond and care about our family. The therapists focus on what’s best for Penny and how she can succeed.”
Not only does Penny receive Physical Therapy, but also Early Childhood Education. She is working on using play dough, pushing buttons, and things that need to use more “pressure” to make them work. They are also working together on activities that require more attention span, like puzzles and shape sorters. Penny loves sensory play and art, which she explores with her therapist.
“The people at Easterseals make the hard days easier,” Alexandra says. “I would tell other families a diagnosis is just a label. It doesn’t determine their future. Penny will defy the odds. Never question your gut. Fight and advocate for your child. You are paving the way for other families.”
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has built a reputation as a trusted provider of children’s therapy services, specializing in treating children ages birth through eighteen years with a variety of challenges.
Hundreds of children each year receive physical, speech and occupational therapy through Easterseals’ statewide Children’s Therapy Services, including their location in New Castle. Easterseals plays a critical role in providing needed therapy for children with a variety of disabilities whether short or long-term. Children with and without disabilities will find the highest quality services designed to meet their individual needs. For more information about Easterseals Children’s Therapy services call 302-324-4444.
100 Enterprise Place, Suite 1, Dover, DE 19904
699 South Carter Road, Suite 3, Smyrna, DE 19977
61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720
302-324-4444
Please visit our website and see all of our services for people of all ages and abilities www.de.easterseals.com
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