2025 Turkey Trot Artist: Thaniel Bulau

Easterseals has changed our lives. 

Thaniel was born with a heart defect and was in the cardiac ICU for about 6 weeks after birth. He endured 2 open heart surgeries and 3 heart catheterizations before his second birthday. He struggles eating and gaining weight and was also diagnosed with autism.

When Easterseals was presented as an option for Early Intervention, I jumped on the opportunity to get him enrolled. He began classes at only 16 months and continued until his third birthday. When we went for our initial meeting with his teacher, I knew he was in the right place. 

The teachers, therapists, staff, and everyone we met at Easterseals were compassionate, patient, caring, and supportive. They went above and beyond to ensure his experience was positive every day. I know he enjoyed spending time painting, sorting, running, coloring, singing, and dancing, but most of all, Thaniel loved playing with Tank, the facility’s therapy dog.

During his time at Easterseals, Thaniel grew in so many ways. He advanced not only developmentally, but socially as well. He was encouraged to explore new ideas, spread kindness, and celebrate being himself. Easterseals laid the foundation of success for Thaniel’s educational future.