Meet Benny

Benny is a smart, fun-loving five year old with cerebral palsy who does not let his diagnosis interfere with his plans. He came to Easterseals at the young age of 21 months for outpatient physical therapy where has learned how to sit up, crawl, stand and walk.

“When my son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I didn’t know what that would mean for his physical ability to participate with his peers and the world around him. I was scared,” states Benny’s mom, Lori. “The program at Easterseals is the superman that we needed to help Benny! His therapist at Easterseals kept working with him and assuring me that one day he would walk. From the parenting advice to the kindness offered by the receptionists, we are forever grateful to everyone at Easterseals!”

Benny recently achieved one of his longtime goals, jumping with both feet together. “For years, Benny has been working on jumping,” says Lori. “He talks himself through it ‘bend my knees and JUMP!’ every time, but wasn’t able to get both feet off the ground at the same time. Did Benny get frustrated? Not even once. His therapist encouraged him week after week. Two weeks ago, I heard cheers coming from the therapy room. He did it! Benny can jump!”

Benny continues to receive physical therapy and has added occupational therapy to his services. He benefits from having access to the different therapeutic interventions he needs at one familiar location. Each obstacle he faces, Benny overcomes with confidence and bravery through the support of his family and therapists. The long-lasting impact for Benny, in addition to his physical development, will be his confidence. As his mother states, “The people at Easterseals don’t think Benny can do something, they know he can. It might take him longer and it might not be in the same way that his peers will do it, but he will. His therapists have so much confidence in Benny and it really does spill over into his day-to-day life. We try new things at home that he worked on during his sessions and he is so proud of himself when he can do it.”

At Easterseals, we are excited to see what Benny will accomplish in the future and are honored to support his drive to achieve his goals and aspirations.