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Young girl with blond hair on a play matt in physical therapy

Easterseals Helps Little Superheroes Thrive

Demi is beating the odds and has a bright future thanks to the help of Easterseals Children’s Therapy program.

Demi

Doctors may have painted a bleak picture for little Demi, who was born without an esophagus, the part of the body that connects the throat to the stomach, and Spina Bifida. However, the team of therapists at Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is working side-by-side with her family, offering support and encouragement to help Demi meet her milestones.

“There is nothing wrong with Demi. She has a superpower!” says her mom, Amy. “With Easterseals, I know Demi is going to be okay because we have the right help. I learned so much about her that I didn’t think she’d be capable of doing.”

A girl with Down Syndrome and her Physical Therapist Smile at the camera

After Demi had surgery to address her esophagus, Amy and the therapists hit the ground running with occupational and physical therapies, including stretches to help with head control and exercise to help her move. The therapists worked with Amy teaching her exercises to help Demi at home to continue the therapy throughout the week.

“Doctors told us she wouldn’t walk or sit up. Thanks to Easterseals, she was walking two weeks after that appointment,” Amy says. “Without Easterseals, I don’t know how I would have gotten through it. I had no clue what to do. I listened to everything the therapists told me to do and put it to work.”

Demi is now a thriving, sassy three-year-old. She can sing her “ABCs”, write her own name and converse with adults. She is working on motor skills. Her therapists are working with her legs to make sure she is not in pain and will not walk with a limp in the future, due to the Spina Bifida. With Easterseals help, Demi has a bright future.

“Easterseals has met Demi’s needs in every aspect of her life,” Amy says. “They taught me how to take care of Demi. They made me feel like no matter what, I have that support system.”

 

 

A physical therapist helps a child with Down Syndrome walk stairs

With Easterseals, I know Demi is going to be okay because we have the right help. I learned so much about her that I didn’t think she’d be capable of doing.

— Amy, Demi's mom
A child and an Easterseals employee sit at a table and are smiling at each other. On the table there are toys and a worksheet.

Learn More about Children’s Therapy Services

Easterseals Children’s Services provides therapy, early intervention, and family support to help children with disabilities build communication, mobility, and daily living skills so they can grow, learn, and reach their full potential.

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