2024 Turkey Trot Artist: Jonathan Mahler

We had a very normal, healthy pregnancy other than learning our son was breech at our 20-week scan. The doctors told us not to worry. By 40 weeks, he remained breech, but we were assured not to worry once again. After an uncomplicated delivery, he was born healthy but demonstrated feeding difficulties almost right away. 

By 4 months, we were struggling to feed him even an ounce at a time. He was admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive. We learned he had dysphagia, a rare stand-alone diagnosis that caused difficulty controlling the way he swallowed liquids. He had no other known problems. 

After multiple hospitalizations, appointments with specialists, tube feedings and special diets, we continued to struggle feeding our son. Feedings took hours and took a toll on everyone in the family. We began the Help Me Grow program once he developed a speech delay. We were referred to Easterseals and he started shortly after referral at 22 months old. 

We were highly impressed by Easterseals from the start. The facility was exceptionally clean, and the staff were some of the most genuine, caring, hardworking and supportive people we’ve met. They developed a specialized plan among countless activities to develop his skills in areas that were lacking. The whole team was truly invested in his success. 

The friendships, social skills and critical thinking skills he gained through the program have been vital to his development. While growing remains a struggle, he has now graduated from Easterseals and continues to thrive like a typical and very energetic 3 year old.  We will be forever grateful for the experience!