One Easter Seals story of strength and determination

When Shannon and John found out their son’s rare bone disorder meant his chances of surviving were small, they were devastated. Doctors told them Brendan would not make it to birth and if he did, he would not survive much longer.

They never imagined that he would prove them all wrong and at age 3, he would be walking, talking and going to preschool with his peers, thanks to the loving support of his family and the help of the therapists at Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“Easter Seals looked at him from every angle to figure out a therapy plan. They gave him more confidence and gave us the extra support we needed to keep going,” Shannon says. “Easter Seals is amazing. We cannot talk about or thank them enough.”

Because of Brendan’s disorder, his bones are soft and his parents have to take precautions to keep him safe. Easter Seals was there to help by teaching Brendan how to balance, climb stairs and kick a ball. They also taught him how to handle other kids running into him, which is a huge fear for his parents since his bones can break so easily.

“With any child, you don’t always know what to expect, and when a child has a disability, that anxiety is multiplied.  At Easter Seals, we can help parents understand what is happening with their child and what to expect, and that makes it less scary,” said Katie Megee, Easter Seals physical therapist. “We can help parents help their child achieve their maximum potential.”

A trusted provider of children’s therapy services for more than 60 years, Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializes in treating children ages birth through 18 years with a variety of challenges, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech and language delay,s feeding and swallowing difficulties, and others.  Easter Seals specializes in meeting the needs of children and their families through creative, playful activities that go beyond traditional services.

“Brendan continues to prove us wrong,” Shannon says. “It is interesting how children teach us things. I used to be such a planner. Brendan taught me I can’t do that; I have to be flexible. He teaches me to take one day at a time and to live every day to the fullest.”

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or go to www.de.easterseals.com.