Easterseals Introduces 2025 Volleyball Challenge Ambassador

When two-year-old Penelope “Penny” Pratz, of Wilmington, DE, started receiving Easterseals Children’s Therapy services, she was unable to stand on her own or walk. Her parents, Alexandra and Scott, were worried she may never walk, but they put their trust in Easterseals, and that made all the difference.

“Easterseals is all I believe in for the best services for my family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Alexandra says. “They treat us as if we are their only family. Easterseals wants kids to succeed while emotionally supporting families. They truly care and that speaks volumes.”

Penny, who was diagnosed with hypotonic Cerebral Palsy or low muscle tone, took her first steps at 22 months. It started with a few steps and now she is walking everywhere and able to play with her biggest supporters and older brothers, Jacob and Anderson. For the future, she is working on kicking a ball, climbing stairs safely, and walking on uneven surfaces.

“I thought she’d never walk. I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Easterseals kept encouraging me. I can’t explain the joy we felt. Saying she’s an official walker is a dream come true,” Alexandra says. “Physical Therapy is worth its weight in gold. Penny squeals with excitement during therapy. They go above and beyond and care about our family. The therapists focus on what’s best for Penny and how she can succeed.”

Penny and her family will share their story as the Volleyball Ambassador for the 2025 Easterseals/CAI Volleyball Challenge, which will take place on March 8, 2025, at University of Delaware Carpenter Sports Building (26 N College Ave, Newark, DE 19711). To donate to Penny’s Volleyball team, go to: Live Like Penny.

“The people at Easterseals make the hard days easier,” Alexandra says. “I would tell other families a diagnosis is just a label. It doesn’t determine their future. Penny will defy the odds. Never question your gut. Fight and advocate for your child. You are paving the way for other families.”

To hear more from Penny’s family, watch the video below:

The Volleyball Challenge is a family-friendly event, which brings the community together to raise critically needed dollars for Easterseals to serve children and adults with disabilities. For more information about the event, go to volleyballchallenge.net or contact Pamelyn Manocchio at 302-221-5368 or pmanocchio@esdel.org.