Easterseals, Thrilled to Take the Trip with Kenzie

Experiencing the joy and unconditional love that is Kenzie Pickett, of Lincoln, DE, is one of the world’s great gifts to offer. She can find a friend in any room and knows who needs a hug the most. Kenzie is a three-year-old girl full of sass, spirit and who also happens to have Down Syndrome. Kenzie is meeting her milestones with Easterseals by her side every step of the way.

“When Kenzie was first diagnosed with Down Syndrome, it was a very scary time for us. We were afraid we wouldn’t have the skills to allow her to reach her full potential,” Kenzie’s mom, Tara says. “Kenzie is having so much success now because of all the hard work from the therapists at Easterseals. We know that is the reason she is exceeding every expectation.”

Kenzie started receiving physical therapy services with Easterseals when she was eight months old to help with low muscle tone. When she was one, occupational therapy to help with fine motor skills and speech therapy to help transition to a sippy cup and with feeding skills were added to continue to help Kenzie meet and exceed her milestones.

“The therapists set goals and work very hard to help her meet them to ensure she can progress and live up to her full potential and ability,” Kenzie’s dad, Ryan, says. “Without therapy, she would not be where she is. Now she is doing amazing.”

Kenzie transitioned into preschool successfully with the help of Easterseals. She is also involved in a list of activities, including: soccer, music, horseback riding, the Special Olympics and the Boardwalk Buddy Walk. In describing their experience, Ryan mentions the poem by Emily Perl Kingsley called “Trip to Holland”. It takes the reader on a journey of being a parent of a child with a disability.

“Before she was born we were scared, but now I can’t put into words how proud we are of her. I never met another person who has put so many smiles on people’s faces. She has a superhuman ability for making people feel better. She sees right past the differences in people and only sees potential friends in every room,” Ryan says. “Like in the poem, this is not the trip we expected to take and every day is not perfect, but the trip with Kenzie is an amazing one too.”

Tara adds, “We try to make sure Kenzie’s disability does not define who she is. Her disability is a small part of who she is, but if anything, it just makes her more special.”

Easterseals is delighted to have Kenzie as this year’s ambassador for Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s 5th annual “Walk With Me Delmarva” event. The event is scheduled for Sunday at 3 pm on October 15, 2017 at Baywood Greens, 32267, Clubhouse Way, Long Neck, DE. It will unite hundreds of people to raise funds for Easterseals services in order to impact the lives of local individuals and families living with disabilities.