Shea and Michelle horsing around during last year's summer camp.
May 4, 2010
Written by Kassie Bracken and Erik Olsen and published in the New York Times on April 30, 2010
"Bent, Not Broken" is a story about a young teacher who was given a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy at the age of 2. This teacher attributes her success to her mother. She "didn't place any emphasis on my disability and expected a lot of me as if I was an ambulatory child.” To read more, www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/nyregion/02back.html?ref=health. Let this story inspire you. Let your child dream so big. Catch their dreams. When you’re with them, really pay attention. Be in the moment. Even if you are tired and just got home from work. Tune in to what they say. What makes them laugh? What books do they like to read? Favorite T.V. shows? What do communicate with their eyes or hands? Then find ways to support their dreams. Use the time you usually reserve to watch T.V. to make their dreams --- bit by bit --- a reality. Somewhere in my oldest daughter's room --- and on the floor --- is a clue to her potential in life between her rock collection, clothes, books and, an old favorite, a clipboard. ---- Sarah Shapard, Executive Director
