Isaiah's Parents See Bright Future

Blessings come in small packages. Latoya and Jean’s blessing came in the size of their first baby boy who was born with Down syndrome. While the news was, at first, shocking and a bit scary, Latoya soon realized the gift Isaiah was to her entire family. After Isaiah was born and had heart surgery for a defect, Latoya went right to work getting him the services he needed to succeed. She found the tools for success at Easterseals.

“At first, I felt guilty, like I did something wrong. On the flipside, it felt like a challenge I could overcome. Now, I wouldn’t have him any other way. He’s a ball of fun,” Latoya says. “Easterseals has become a part of my family. Without Easterseals I would be walking blindly. With them, I have a new set of eyes to help Isaiah excel.”

While Isaiah is learning to speak through sign language in speech therapy, hold his head up and roll over in physical therapy and grasp in occupational therapy, Latoya is also learning how she can help Isaiah better at home after the therapists leave, including walking on a small treadmill designed to help him work towards his first independent steps.

“I would tell another parent, don’t be afraid. There is help out there; be willing to receive it. Enjoy the ride,” Latoya says. “Easterseals services are not recognized enough. People underestimate the services they provide. It took me having Isaiah to recognize the importance of early intervention. Isaiah’s therapists are not just there for him, they are there for me too.”