Easterseals introduces 2021 Walk With Me Ambassador

Easterseals announced James Lewis as this year’s ambassador for its 8th annual Walk With Me & 5K Fun Run Delmarva event set for 3 p.m, Sunday, Oct. 17, at Baywood Greens, 32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck.

“The therapists at Easterseals would always use the word ‘when,’ not ‘if.’ Like, ‘When he walks.’ ‘When he talks,’” Tracy Lewis said. “They gave us hope and more than a list of diagnoses.”

Those are the phrases heard around Easterseals Children’s Therapy program. That’s why families like James’s turn to Easterseals when their children need life-changing therapies, and it’s exactly what happened when Tracy and Jamie received James’s diagnosis when he was 1 week old.

“In the hospital, they often focused on the ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t.’ Often they referred to him as a diagnosis,” Tracy said. “The whole family loved when Easterseals therapists were working with James. It was a bright spot for all of us.”

As a newborn, James, who has Down syndrome, received physical, speech and occupational therapies. Easterseals therapists worked with him before and after his heart surgery to keep him on track. Later they introduced the family to a communication application on his tablet that has helped James be more vocal with his sisters and parents. He even figured out how to use his communication device to play music on their Amazon Alexa.

“Therapy is just another activity, like dance. Don’t be fearful and don’t wait. Because of therapy, James walked on time and met his milestones. He was able to play soccer and go to toddler time with his peers,” Tracy said. “James is healthy, thriving and vibrant. We want him to grow up and live an independent life. We don’t limit him.”

James is now 6 and continuing to master his goals with Easterseals therapies. He is learning to ride a tricycle so he can enjoy bike rides with his family. In occupational therapy, he is preparing for kindergarten by learning to write and use scissors. He is also continuing to use more spoken words with the help of speech therapy.

“James is one of our biggest blessings. However, the information on the internet can be quite grim,” Tracy said. “We are forever grateful for the support we received from Easterseals. They truly impacted his life in a positive way so he is able to meet his full potential. We know they will be there for him in the future to support his future goals.”

Funds raised through Walk With Me help Easterseals provide critically needed services to families living with disabilities in the local community. To register, go to walkwithme.org/delmarva or contact Linda Forte at 302-253-1121 or lforte@esdel.org.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers.