Family Stories

Grace Lowell strengthens her fine motor skills by working with puzzles during occupational therapy. “Grace's therapists treat Grace not like a child with a disability, but as a child with a lot of abilities,” says Grace’s mom, Colleen. “Not only are the therapists teaching and helping Grace with new things, but they have taught us so much as well.”

When Grace first came to Kindering Center at six-months of age she couldn’t roll over and was not a social baby. Now at almost 2, Grace is a lively toddler who is interested in the world around her. According to her mom, “Thanks to Kindering Center, she’s not even the same child she was one year ago.”

The Requa Family

Grace Requa has been at Kindering Center since day one. Since starting therapy at Kindering Center, Grace has accomplished many important developmental milestones, including holding up her head, rolling over, sitting up, and eating solid food. Recently, with the help of a specialized walker, Grace has begun to take her first steps.

Linda Lewis, long time veteran of Kindering Center, is Grace’s physical therapist.  “Linda is an absolute gem.  There is no way that we would be where we are today if it hadn’t been for Linda and Kindering Center.  The love, care, and all of the extra things that Linda does for Grace has given our daughter the best chance possible,” says Grace’s dad, Shawn.

The Rooney Family

When Max was born, I envisioned him as the next Michael Jordan or Joe Montana. Now, I'd be happy just to see him walk or talk one day. That's because Max suffers from an unknown brain disease that causes severe developmental delays. Things that other kids take for granted, he must struggle and fight for. My wife Michele and I, as parents of a child with special needs, must struggle and fight right along with him.

To be sure, life as a parent of a special needs child is one of continual adjustment and acceptance. It breaks my heart and tears me up inside to think about how Max will struggle throughout his life. But we've learned to adjust and accept the situation. Just like our son, we will play the hand we've been dealt to the best of our ability.

Indeed, Max has taught Michele and me more about life and what is important than anyone else we have ever met. As his parents, we couldn't be more proud. His hard-fought achievements- ordinary developmental milestones other parents take for granted have rewarded us with the proudest moments of our lives.

Helping Max's development throughout his young life has been the Kindering Center. Michele and I still vividly remember our first visit there. We soon realized that not only did Max really belong there so did we. Our visits to the Center became one of the few constants in our lives. It was a safe place for us and our child, and staff members became like family.

People say that having a special needs child builds character. I think it's more accurate to say that having a special needs child reveals character. You can reveal your own character by supporting Kindering Center and children who, through no fault of their own, cannot care for themselves. -Iain Rooney

An image of the quilt made by the Kindering Center Mother's Circle.