Our son, Theo, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). He had his first open-heart surgery at just 2 days old and stayed in the hospital for 8 months, during which he underwent 9 heart surgeries. During that time, Theo suffered brain trauma, leading to seizures and an epilepsy diagnosis. His motor function was also impaired, and he eventually received diagnoses of Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy and Autism.

When Theo came home, he was unable to roll over, sit up, and had no core or trunk strength. He could barely use his hands to pick up a toy or book. He was extremely orally averse due to multiple intubations and extubations, and he had some vision concerns.

We knew Theo deserved the chance to flourish and grow to the best of his ability, so when we were put in touch with Easter Seals, we were eager to begin working with them. With their help, we could afford the services Theo needed, and he began receiving Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Vision Therapy soon after we inquired. Fortunately, all care was provided at home, as Theo is also diagnosed with Lymphopenia, meaning he is immunocompromised, which helped us avoid unnecessary exposure to germs.

We have worked diligently with our therapists for the past two years, and they have transformed Theo’s life. He is truly a new person, and we can confidently say that our outstanding therapists have played a large role in this. Through countless hours of hard work from both our therapists and Theo, he began to roll over, sit up, and tolerate mouth stretches. With their help, he started to pull to stand, drink water, and pick up objects with his hands. Now, Theo can play independently, cruise around, complete fine motor tasks, and is starting to taste lots of new foods.

We were once told our son might never walk, but we are thrilled to share that Theo is consistently using a walker to move freely and has begun to take small steps on his own. These wonderful milestones have been celebrated by our amazing therapists and ECI case manager, and we could not be more grateful for their support, ideas, patience, and work with Theo.

Easter Seals Greater Houston’s ECI has been a blessing to our family, providing our son with the tools to be strong, independent, and happy. They have been a team that not only provided therapy but also brought comfort and laughter to our family. We love them all!

Why am I walking? I am participating in Easter Seals’ Walk With Me to spread hope and raise funds for individuals and families living with all types of disabilities.

For over 70 years, Easter Seals Greater Houston has been a lifeline for our community. ESGH helps veterans transition to civilian life with service dogs and mental health services, teaches infants with developmental delays to walk and talk, offers children with cerebral palsy a sense of community through camps and playgroups, and mentors teens with autism to feel prepared and empowered to enter the workforce. Easter Seals Greater Houston is an essential partner, providing help, hope, and answers to our loved ones with disabilities.

Please join me on this journey so Easter Seals can continue providing life-changing services to the more than 15,000 children and adults served each year in the Greater Houston community.

How can YOU help? Register to walk or make a donation to support my fundraising efforts.

Why do I need your support? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability. These are our family members, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Join me as I walk alongside Easter Seals clients, therapists, donors, and thousands of others at Walk With Me. You will make a huge difference in the life of a person with a disability – an investment with overwhelming returns!

Easter Seals Greater Houston is a fiscally responsible organization and one of the most efficient charities in Texas, with $0.92 of every dollar going directly to client services in Houston.